
Recent findings in emotional
intelligence support the concept of confluent education which
holds that effective learning
develops in the interaction of cognitive and emotional
domains. Effective educational
practice, then, requires attention to the development of
many forms of intellect through
formal teaching practice as well as through modeling, or
informal teaching practice.
Research indicates that the single most effective predictor of a
teachers effect on a child
is that teacher's ability to model behavior concurrent with the
ideas and philosophy taught.
Finally, current research and practice both firmly demonstrate
that the growth of ethical
or principle driven behavior - a critical component of emotional
intelligence - develops through
numerous informal interactions both in an out of classes.
Thus, it is critical to emphasize
certain cultural values to maintain an environment where
children can effectively learn
in the multiple domains necessary for successful human
development. Six Seconds refers
to this as the Other 3 Rs culture, a practice based on
intensive focus on respect,
resiliency and responsibility. The paradigm is systematized
through the Self-Science program
and is supported through educational practice called
Principle Based Behavior.
Self awareness:
One of the basic emotional
skills involves being able to recognise feelings and put a name
on them. It is also important
to be aware of the relationship between thoughts, feelings and
actions. What thought sparked
off that feeling? What feeling was behind that action?
Managing emotions:
It is important to realise
what is behind feelings. Beliefs have a fundamental effect on the
ability to act and on how
things are done. Many people continually give themselves
negative messages. Hope can
be a useful asset. In addition, finding ways to deal with
anger, fear, anxiety and sadness
is essential: learning how to soothe oneself when upset, for
example. Understanding what
happens when emotions get the upper hand and how to gain
time to judge if what is about
to be said or done in the heat of the moment is really the best
thing to do. Being able to
channel emotions to a positive end is a key aptitude.
Empathy:
Getting the measure of a situation
and being able to act appropriately requires
understanding the feelings
of the others involved and being able to take their perspective. It
is important to be able to
listen to them without being carried away by personal emotions.
There's a need to be able
to distinguish between what others do or say and personal
reactions and judgements.
Communicating:
Developing quality relationships
has a very positive effect on all involved. What feelings
are being communicated to
others? Enthusiasm and optimism are contagious as are
pessimism and negativity.
Being able to express personal concerns without anger or
passivity is a key asset.
Co-operation:
Knowing how and when to take
the lead and when to follow is essential for effective
co-operation. Effective leadership
is not built on domination but the art of helping people
work together on common goals.
Recognising the value of the contribution of others and
encouraging their participation
can often do more good than giving orders or complaining.
At the same time, there is
a need to take responsibilities and recognise the consequences of
decisions and acts and follow
through on commitments.
Resolving conflicts:
In resolving conflicts there
is a need to understand the mechanisms at work. People in
conflict are generally locked
into a self-perpetuating emotional spiral in which the
declared subject of conflict
is rarely the key issue. Much of the resolution of conflicts calls
on using the other emotional
skills mentioned here.