Publish at May 27 2019 Updated December 06 2023
Emotional intelligence contributes to an individual's success. Researchers such as Antonio Damasio, with Descartes' error, and Daniel Goleman, the author of emotional intelligence, have regularly demonstrated this, using examples and statistical or neurological studies.
Gradually, the division of the different forms of intelligence, sometimes presented as distinct, even in opposition, is giving way to a more nuanced representation. The boundaries are not so sharply separated. One form of intelligence relies on another to flourish.
Emotional intelligence resonates with other forms of intelligence, helping them to express themselves. Fair enough. But how do we develop it? There are many ways. The RULER method proposes a 5-step approach.
The second (U (Understand)) focuses on understanding. What is the origin of this emotion? What are the consequences for me, or in my relationships with others?
The letter L (Label) refers to naming emotions. The model is accompanied by grids and charts. The Yale Center for emotional intelligence, for example, proposes four grids according to the energy and pleasant or unpleasant aspect of the emotion. In each quadrant, word lists are classified to help learners formulate their feelings. The hypothesis is that a nuanced vocabulary puts emotions at a distance, and thus avoids being overwhelmed.
Teacher websites are proliferating "moodmeters" designed to measure emotions. Some are in poster format, while others are available as smartphone apps!
The Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence suggests educational activities in line with these different emotions, in a video that inspired the illustration above.
The letter "E" invites us to express, and let others express, their emotions.
Finally, the "R" is about regulating emotions.
The RULER method is more than just a list. It aims to train teaching teams, provide information and guidelines for parents, and equip all stakeholders.
Families, teachers and, of course, students are encouraged to reflect on their emotions. How to name them, how to express them, and when? How do they manifest themselves through non-verbal language?
Proponents of this approach argue that the result is a better emotional climate, greater emotional intelligence and better results.
Studies on the brain confirm the role of emotions in learning. It's not just a matter of feeling good to boost motivation and work capacity.
According to the authors of an article entitled "Emotions at the heart of the learning process", published in the journal Neurosciences et pédagogie spécialisée, "the same [brain] region can be characterized as 'cognitive' or 'emotional' depending on the study". Emotional and cognitive processes thus mobilize identical areas of the brain. These very distinct categories in our representation of mental mechanisms are far from watertight!
The article goes on to clarify that emotions can be linked to activity, success or failure, but also to learning.
The authors confirm the importance of regulation. But they also warn us. Students who regulate their emotions have the best results, but not all strategies are equal. The strategy of silencing emotions is good in the short term, but rather harmful in the long term. On the contrary, they invite us to re-evaluate the emotion, to put it in context, to understand it.
Illustrations: Frédéric Duriez
Resources
Lori Nathanson, Susan E. Rivers, Lisa M. Flynn, Marc A. BrackettYale University: Ruler and emotional intelligence: overview for families - RULER skills. Accessed May 23, 2019
http://ps199pta.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/RULER-Handout.pdf
Yale University: Ruler and emotional intelligence: overview for families. Accessed on May 23, 2019
http://ps199pta.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/RULER-Presentation.pdf
Solange Denervaud, Martina Franchini, Édouard Gentaz and David Sander
Emotions at the heart of learning processes - published 2017 - accessed May 25, 2019
https://www.csps.ch/bausteine.net/f/51752/Denervaud_Franchini_Gentaz_Sander_170420.pdf
Emotional Intelligence - Complete - Daniel Goleman
https://www.decitre.fr/livres/l-intelligence-emotionnelle-9782290100653.html
Descartes' error - Antonio Damasio
https://www.decitre.fr/livres/l-erreur-de-descartes-9782738124579.html
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