Does being intelligent just mean how well one does on a Maths test or how ‘smart’ one is perceived to be? This train of thought is how the term ‘emotional intelligence’ first came to be: intelligence can and should also be measured by one’s capabilities in the realm of emotional regulation.
According to an article from Science Direct, emotional intelligence also encompasses self-awareness (how we feel and our feelings' impact on our surroundings), self-management (how we respond to our feelings), social awareness (how we respond to others' emotions), and social skill (how we combine our awareness of others to develop their skills and influence their actions). In the realm of education, the impact of emotional intelligence (EI) on the tutoring process cannot be overstated.
When applied to tutoring, EI can significantly enhance the learning experience and outcomes for students as well as a tutor’s own sense of well-being. In fact, a teachers’ emotional intelligence is positively correlated with work engagement and teaching for creativity. In a society where knowledge is the key currency, creativity has become one of the most important qualities for today’s talent, so nurturing students’ creative thinking and problem solving skills should be at the forefront.
Inclusive and Sensitive Teaching
Understanding and empathising with a student's emotional state can help tutors tailor their approach to meet their unique needs. When a student shows signs of frustration or anxiety, whether that is being unable to solve a particular problem or disengaging from lesson material, this is an opportunity for tutors to adjust their methods and to provide reassurance and encouragement.
This requirement for respect and sensitivity is amplified when those needs are more diverse, in the case of those with special educational needs or those who would benefit from more culturally aware frameworks. High emotional intelligence even helps educators handle challenging behaviours and conflicts more easily, as they are better equipped to respond to difficult situations in a calm and constructive manner.
Enhancing Communication and Engagement
Effective communication is at the heart of successful tutoring: correctly reading non-verbal cues, addressing confusion or disengagement promptly, and adapting teaching strategies accordingly are fundamental aspects to making learning more interactive and enjoyable. We’ve even written a blog here with tips for how to keep your students engaged, including positive reinforcement and offering prompt, constructive feedback.
Gaining a better understanding of the interests, habits, preferences and characters of your students will help you to adapt material accordingly, which will in turn stimulate discussion and strengthen intra-group relationships, if you tutor in a group.
By being attuned to the emotional responses of their students, educators can encourage students to express their thoughts and questions without fear of judgement. This empathetic approach not only alleviates negative emotions but also helps to build a trusting relationship between the tutor and the student for years to come!
Promoting Resilience and Self-Efficacy in Students
Instilling greater EI in students fosters the promotion of resilience and self-efficacy. By providing emotional support and reinforcing a growth mindset, tutors can help students view difficulties as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable obstacles. This emotional regulation helps students navigate how to handle stress and setbacks constructively.
Active listening, which I’ve mentioned in previous blogs, is a very effective technique that is about more than just paying attention! According to this Guardian article, this communication skill teaches EI by demonstrating to students how to create dialogue, respond to others, and verbally summarise key messages that have been received.
Tutors who understand the emotional dimensions of learning can help students navigate challenges and setbacks more effectively. When goals are ambitious and demands are high, learners must feel safe to have a go and take a risk - by empowering students, educators can help them recognise and celebrate their progress, no matter how small. This recognition builds students’ self-efficacy, the belief in their ability to succeed. When students feel competent and confident, they are more likely to take on new challenges and persist in the face of adversity!
A Better Learning Environment For All
Nurturing well-rounded and capable learners contributes not only to their academic, but also personal development. The ‘hidden curriculum’ that all educators provide are not only academic skills, but also the unwritten rules and expectations that students learn.
By instructing students in essential competencies like self-awareness, active listening and patience, this boosts their communication skill and, in turn, academic success. A holistic approach promotes better teaching performance and can be something you adopt in your next lesson!
Blog Post Crafted by Cheryl
Cheryl manages our Admin Team, and is a qualified teacher with 5 years' experience in schools across England and Canada.
Cheryl graduated from University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Education. She tutored secondary school students in English for over nine years in Canada.
Cheryl speaks Cantonese, English and French, and in her spare time, she can be found illustrating and reading children’s books for inspiration.
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