As an educator or a parent, you may be aware of your child's Intelligence Quotient (IQ), but are you aware of their Emotional Quotient (EQ)? EQ is as important as IQ, if not more so, and a high EQ can translate into students reaching their full potential both inside and outside the classroom.
So, what is EQ? Well, Emotional Intelligence is the ability to have an awareness of and managing your feelings. It also involves using your emotions to plan and meet all your goals. Like your IQ, your EQ can range from low, medium, or high and it is not necessarily connected to your cognitive (or thinking) ability.
Students with a high EQ can function both intrapersonally and interpersonally. Effective Intrapersonal functioning means that a student has an accurate perception of their own emotions and can use these to navigate their life. Effective interpersonal functioning implies that a student can easily understand other people and can communicate well with them.
According to Yale psychologist and socio-emotional expert Peter Salovey, there are five prominent examples of EQ. These include Knowing your own emotions; Managing emotions; Self-motivation; Recognizing emotions in others, and Handling relationships.
On an individual level, high EQ is linked to better academic performance and learning. Students with high EQ are also more likely to forge strong friendships with their peers and communicate effectively and well with others. High EQ is also linked to better stress management skills to avoid getting overwhelmed with school or other responsibilities. There is a strong positive impact of emotional intelligence on academic achievement.
While high EQ brings with it several advantages, a low EQ can bring several disadvantages. These include lower academic achievement, even if these students with low EQ have high cognitive skills. Teachers can help all students reach their academic potential by teaching and encouraging emotional intelligence. Parents can also play their part in boosting the EQ of their children. In this article, we'll explore the relationship between emotional intelligence and academic performance.
Ways To Boost The EQ of Children
The following are some ways that teachers and parents can boost the EQ of their students and children…
1) Stop and identify emotions: Talk to the children about their feelings and help them identify their feelings and name them. Soon, they will be able to identify and name their emotion, be it anger, happiness, sadness, frustration, and so on. This will, in turn, help them deal effectively with the feeling in terms of appropriate behavior.
2) Listen to the child's feelings: You can ask the child what a particular event or situation made him or her feel. You can also help the child overcome a negative emotion by talking openly about it rather than sweeping it under the carpet.
3) Empathize with the child: The child should know that you understand his or her feelings. You can even paraphrase their feelings by saying something like, "It sounds like you're frustrated right now" or "It sounds like you're excited…do you want to talk about it?" You need to talk about how the child is feeling and why.
4) Teach problem-solving: You can help the child reflect on his or her emotions to identify what makes him or her feel a certain way. You should be able to find solutions to any challenges together in a combined effort.
5) Lead by example: You should open up about your feelings so that the child can open up about his or her. You should also share with the child the reasons behind these feelings and how you intend to deal with them. This will help bridge gaps between you and the child and help you communicate better.
Qualities of children with high EQ
These are some of the qualities of children with high EQ, which sets them apart from other children:
1)They are positive: Students with high EQ are positive most of the time and will find a solution to the problem instead of constantly ruminating about it. They will not complain about any situation they may find themselves in.
2)They know people well: Students with a high EQ know immediately how other people feel. They get to learn the character and nature of people much quicker than others who do not have such a high EQ.
3)They can identify their feelings: High emotional intelligence can help students identify and name their true feelings. They can understand their feelings and find reasons for them.
4)They accept change: Students with a high EQ can accept any change that comes their way. They will welcome the changes in their schools and can gain success anywhere in the world.
5)They set limits: Students with high EQ can say a clear-cut yes or no in any situation. They can also convince other people about their behavior. They practice clear communication instead of manipulating facts.
6)They know their strengths and improve their weaknesses: Students with a high EQ know their strengths and will work hard to make them better. They also know their weaknesses and will strive hard to overcome them.
7)They make everything enjoyable: Whether it is an extended essay or a complicated math assignment, students with a high EQ turn all work into fun. As a result, they love whatever work is assigned to them. Due to this, they create a positive atmosphere all around them.
8)They avoid comparison: Students with a high EQ do not compare themselves to others. They do their tasks the best they can and are satisfied and contented with their little achievements.
At the Epistemo Vikas Leadership School, we help build our children's emotional intelligence as much as we develop their thinking abilities and their Intelligence Quotient (IQ). We understand the impact of emotional intelligence on our students' academic performance. We have woven the practice of EQ into our curriculum, and we help our students understand the feelings of others and be sensitive to them.
Our students go on to become responsible, caring, and committed global citizens who practice empathy, kindness, and compassion along with a high EQ wherever they go. They contribute continuously and effectively within and outside their communities and practice the values they learned at Epistemo throughout their lives.
For more information about Emotional Intelligence (EQ) and any other queries, contact the Epistemo Vikas Leadership School at +91 7702800800 or info@epistemo.in or visit our website at https://epistemo.in/