Developing a High EQ
What do you do intentionally to try to develop your students' Emotional Intelligence (EQ)?
I get my students to take some self-inventory. Ask them to ask questions like "Why do I respond in the way I do?", "Why do I say I don't care?" and "Why is it Great to Be Me?†I also try to create an environment that would help with the development of EQ. I advise them that school should be a safe haven from all the outside noise and issues. Take the time in school (that day) to enjoy the experience and develop oneself.
I do my best to relate to the student and tell them my story. Not only the good side but the hard stuff too. The struggles and how i persevered through many obstacles to come out on top. I feel it encourages them and shows them they too can get through it.
Exactly. I am the bursar at our school, and I work with students who sometimes are coming from very disadvantaged situations. It really helps them when I share that I was once in their shoes - for quite a long time! - and know how it feels. This helps me to impart that I respect the hardships they are going through and can truly understand what it's like to be in their shoes.
Great post, Fatina. Thank you. We call this "catching someone doing something well."
Jeffrey Schillinger
The easiest way to develop an individual's EQ is to be able to help them first identify any areas in their life where they were successful. Sometimes individual do not think that what they have accomplish was success because no one made a deal out of it or gave them that pat on the back. Students need to be encouraged so that they can believe in setting goals that they can reach. Relating to a student can also be a tool used to help develop EQ. When a student feels as if others face challenges but have accomplish their goals, they in turn believe that they can do the same. People related experiences to those who have greater outcomes.
Both, I always start class with a freewrite and find that journaling is good therapy for myself as well.
Megan,
Thank you for this post. Are you referring to maintaining a journal yourself or having your students maintain a journal yourself?
Jeffrey Schillinger
I usually take a survey of the material covered and see who knows the most on the given topic. I also journal every single class, so that I can have a better understanding of my student's true intentions for the class as well as there opinions.
Betty,
Positioning oneself as a "similar other" can be very effective when teaching adult students.
Jeffrey Schillinger
Since I instruct at the same facility I graduated from eleven years ago it is easy for me to relate to my student's struggles and their experiences. I like to share my "uphill battle" through the program and also to highlight my own successes in my field as a result of working hard and believing in myself. I feel it helps them to see the "light at the end of the tunnel".
Modeling...Mentoring and Monitoring
Well it's like walking for Breast Cancer. You plan to walk and make it to the finsih line. But just as you start to think you're not going to make it. You see people jumping, smilng, cheering and handing out water if needed. this motivates you to keep going!
It takes a Village to Graduate a student...this means all of us. When a student buys into complete their program. We "the Village" continue to check in, tell them it good to see you getting back on track. When a student can see progress they take ownership.
Glenda,
Great stuff. Thanks for sharing this. How do you get students to take ownership of your plan so that it becomes their plan?
Jeffrey Schillinger
Student give up somtimes because they don't see their "Worth". When I meet with our students with issues. I don't tell them how bad they are doing. I show them a way to Graduate on time. I ask them to trust me and it's up to you to follow my plan. By giving the students smaller goals they feel less pressure. I offer tutoring, extra time on test and make up sessions with Instructors. When a student can see and feel SUCCESS it's a wonderful thing to see. Better attitude and more motivated to finish school.
William,
EQ (Emotional Intelligence) can be defined as "the ability to perceive, control and evaluate emotions in yourself and others.".
Jeffrey Schillinger
to be honest I have no clue what that really means
Success stories are great and I also believe its important to help them set goals and set clear steps to those goals so when they check off a step it gives them a sense that they are one step closer. Also, listening to listen and not to respond is helpful too.
Tenille,
Thank you for this thoughtful post.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I was fortunate enough to be raised by a family who put honesty above all else and was more likely to punish the lie than the crime. I like to remind students who complain about other students that we are all at a different place in our lives. The other student may not have learned the same life lessons yet and to be patient and try to help someone else rather than push them down further. I remind them to give each other "Honesty, Compassion and Awareness."
