Emotional Intelligence Scaffolding to Improve Learning (EISIL): Students' and Teachers' Perceptions

Abstract

Emotional Intelligence is an important facet of successful learning and increasingly is being recognised in educational settings. A decade of brain research using fMRI and emotional intelligence research has challenged the paradigms of how we learn, and for teachers, how we facilitate learning. We now know we can reshape our brain through its neuroplasticity and that through repeated experiences we can sculpt the shape, size and number of neurons and their synaptic connections. The success of repeated experiences in cognitive scaffolding can be augmented by emotional intelligence scaffolding to improve Attitude, Effort and Performance. Student learning can be enhanced by an understanding of Emotional Intelligence (EI) and through repeated use of EI strategies students may improve their management of emotions to improve their learning.