Using an Emotional Intelligence
Curriculum for Students in
Academic Difficulty
Holly Hassemer, M.S.
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
Students in Academic Difficulty
Challenges they face?
Challenges you as an instructor/support person
face?
GEN 110—College Learning Strategies
(1 credit, meets twice weekly)
Emotional
Intelligence
Learning
Strategies
My background: Alternative Education
Evolving Theories of Intelligence
• Intelligence Quotient (IQ) – Simon, Binet, Terman
and others (early 1900s)
• Multiple Intelligences – Howard Gardner (1983)
• Emotional Intelligence – Salovey and Mayer (1990)
popularized by Daniel Goleman (1995)
Emotional Intelligence
Emotional Mind
(Emotions)
VS.
Cognitive Mind
(Thoughts)
Emotionally Reactive Student
1. Overwhelmed too often
2. Reactive to stress
3. Emotionally driven behavior
4. Self-doubting
5. Deficit and weakness focused
6. Resistant to change
7. Aggressive, nonassertive communicator
8. Performance decreases under stress
9. Pessimistic, sarcastic, negative focus
10. Relies on reactive habits
11. Continually makes the same mistakes
Emotionally Intelligent Student
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•
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•
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Overwhelmed too often
Reactive to stress
Emotionally driven behavior
Self-doubting
Deficit and weakness focused
Resistant to change
Aggressive, nonassertive
communicator
Performance decreases under
stress
Pessimistic, sarcastic, negative
focus
Relies on reactive habits
Continually makes the same
mistakes
• Resilient
• Proactive, planned responses
to stress
• Intentional reflective
behavior
• Self-confident
• Strength focused
• Flexible, open to change
• Assertive communicator
• Performance improves under
stress
• Optimistic, positive, hopeful
focus
• Relies on positive habits
• Learns from experience
Emotional Curriculum Outcomes
• Achieve a balance between the cognitive and emotional
mind.
• Develop time management and self management skills.
• Set personal goals.
• Be assertive with yourself, friends, and professors.
• Effectively manage and express strong emotions.
• Appreciate and value differences.
• Focus on your strengths.
• Establish and maintain healthy relationships.
• Recognize and express emotions effectively.
• Be flexible.
GEN 110—
College Learning Strategies
Four Areas of Emotional Intelligence
• Self Management
• Interpersonal Skills
• Leadership
• Intrapersonal Skills
Self Management
• Time Management
(from Covey’s Seven Habits and Zimbardo’s
Time Perspective)
• Being Proactive vs. Reactive
(excerpts from Lion King)
• Goal Setting
• Motivation
(using Self –Determination Theory)
• Procrastination
Interpersonal Skills
• Examining your circle of influence
(from Covey’s Seven Habits)
• Being assertive
(Academic role plays and TED talk—
Amy Cuddy)
Leadership
• Social awareness
• Assessing leadership qualities
• Creating a leadership development plan
(individual resume reviews)
Self Awareness
• Stress management
• Test anxiety
(positive self talk)
• Self esteem
(gratitude journaling)
Discussion