Emotional Quotient (EQ)

Recent researchers say that there is evident of having another area of intelligence and it is the emotional intelligence. Mr. Daniel Goleman and some others have developed devices for measuring the emotional intelligence. The emotional quotient (EQ) is more relevant than the IQ in the process of learning and development.

The fact that ones Emotional Quotient (E.Q) is the greatest factor affecting success in life is now widely accepted. The teacher who aims at improving the emotional intelligence of students need to concentrate on the following.

i) Ability to take decisions

Rather than imposing decision on students while planning and executing activities, the students may be allowed to take part in the decision making process. Taking decisions through open discussion in the class, inviting students' suggestions on common problems etc. are habits to be cultivated.

ii) Ability to reach consensus

When different opinions, ideas and positions arise the students may be given the responsibility to reach a consensus. Imagining what would be the course of action in some situations, allowing to intervene in a healthy way in problems between individuals will help the students to reach consensus.

iii) Ability to solve problems

Teacher should make the students aware of the fact that any problem will have a solution. Students are to be given chances for:

• finding reasons for problems.

• suggesting solutions through individual or group efforts.

• discussing social problems.

• analysing the shortcomings in methods to solve problems.

Students should be given opportunity for group discussion and debate over these issues  and let them come out with their own views and take decisions. This kind of discussions will help the children to experience:

• self criticism and self evaluation                   

• problematic situations in life

• what one would do if placed in the situation of others

• how one would respond to certain experiences of others etc.

 All these foster the growth of emotional intelligence.

Improving Life Skills

Life skills need to be given a prominent place in education. W.H.O. has listed ten skills required for success in life. They are:

• Self awareness

• Empathy

• Inter personal relations

• Communication

• Critical thinking

• Creative thinking

• Decision making

• Problem solving

• Coping with emotion

• Coping with stress

The new curriculum addresses these area