Emotional Intelligence in Classrooms: A Predictor of Academic and Social Success

Abstract

EI is now increasingly recognized as one of the essential elements of effective teaching and learning and is now a dimension of education outcomes other than academic achievement. In this study, the importance of understanding emotional intelligence in the classroom and what its implications could be for student academic success and social success would be studied. EI includes the ability to recognize, understand, regulate and communicate emotions and to react appropriately to emotions of others. In the school environment these skills can have an impact on the student's focus, motivation, social interactions, communication skills, conflict management, involvement in the school environment, and his/her ability to manage school stress. Emotional intelligence is considered multidimensional concept comprising of five factors: self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, social awareness and relation management. It explores the relationship of these dimensions to academic performance and positive social behaviours of students. The study also considers the classroom as important context in which the expression and development of emotional competencies occur in the interaction between teachers and peers. The research thus combines the emotional learning aspect with the academic and social aspects of students' development, highlighting the importance of linking emotional learning to pedagogical practices. The results are expected to help teachers, schools and policymakers create an emotionally responsive learning environment that is supportive. Whereas the study indicates that improvements in emotional intelligence may positively contribute to learning, healthy relationships, engagement in the classroom and overall success in the classroom. Thus, emotional intelligence could be considered as an integral part of all-round or complete education, and as a complement to cognitive intelligence, and as an important tool in the students' education and social development.