As human beings, we all share certain things in common; emotions, definitely, is one of them. In simplest of words, emotion is a feeling that varies between joy, anger, fear and envy, depending on the situation and our reaction to it. However, in reality, it is not as easy as this to understand what emotions are and where they stem from. Psychology has a lot to tell about our emotions, their origin, development and outcomes.

Emotions are not felt, but manifested. Throughout our life, we undergo or experience a wide range of emotions, each having born out of the circumstances, the environment we grew up in, the experiences we underwent and the psychological state we are in.

As kids grow up, education has always been regarded as of utmost importance to shape them better. However, we have always focused on their knowledge of worldly affairs, science and technology, math, and other subjects while silently neglecting the important aspect, i.e., emotional intelligence.

Well, this was true until recently, when people began to recognise the importance of mental health in all aspects of life – relationships, work and education, too.

WHAT IS EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE?

Emotional intelligence is an ability whereby an individual becomes capable of identifying, interpreting or understanding, reasoning with  and also efficiently managing one’s own emotions first and those of others too.

And for a child to grow into a wholesome human being, having a healthy EQ (Emotional Quotient) is just as important as IQ. This becomes possible only when one achieves the following two abilities. First is emotional literacy, where he or she is able to recognise his or her own emotions. Secondly, empathy where the individual is able to step into someone else’s shoes, gauge their emotions and respond accordingly.

WHAT ROLE DOES IT PLAY IN EDUCATION?

Emotions are inalienable parts of our lives and they have a great influence on every phase of our life, including education. The importance of it can be enlisted as follows.

1. Managing emotions

A person who is able to understand and manage his or her emotions is most likely to be more successful than the person who does not.

2. Communication

As a student, it becomes important for one to be aware of what emotions to express and, where, when and how to appropriately express the same. When this is achieved, the said student gains the ability to express one’s own self aptly.

3. Interpersonal Relationships.

Emotional Intelligence also has a great impact on our interpersonal relationships. The better we understand our emotions, the better we are able to communicate . The better we understand those of others, the better we empathize. And empathy definitely goes a long way in relationships.

4. Positive Outlook.

When we possess better emotional intelligence, we are able to manage stress, and take apt measures to overcome tough times. With such
ability our outlook towards life becomes positive that when hurdles are thrown our way, we try to solve them rather than complain.

5. Maturity
With emotional intelligence comes maturity . Lack of emotional intelligence is an imbalance and we are thus often led astray by what we perceive to be true. An emotionally intelligent person however is able to pinpoint one’s own strengths and weaknesses and improve upon them, eventually making him or her successful in the long run.

Thus, it is high time we stop focussing only on the Intelligence Quotient – determining one’s worth just based on how well he or she is able to memorise the facts taught – and begin to realize how important it is to have a balance between both IQ and EQ to lead a blissful life.