According to Heller, over the past two decades, researchers have gathered a wealth of evidence showing the critical roles that emotional intelligence plays in education, work, and life. But what does it look like to translate that research into practice? In this interview, Yale University’s Marc Brackett takes stock of recent efforts to help K-12 educators address the emotional side of teaching and learning.
After reading “On the science and teaching of emotional intelligence: An interview with Marc Brackett” in Module 1: Lecture Materials & Resources, please answer and discuss the following.
What is the mission the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence?
Brackett indicates that a large percentage of high school students surveyed experience negative emotions much of the time they’re in school. Tell how this fits or does not fit with your school? What are the consequences to students?
What does Brackett mean by “RULER” and how does it promote emotional and social learning?
Describe the “Mood Meter” discussed by Brackett and how it is used?
Describe how you would apply either “RULER” or the “Mood Meter” in your school?
Use one additional citation of Brackett’s work (either an article or a video in addition to the current article), cite it, and give a brief description of it.
Full Answer Section
Negative Emotions in High School Students
While I cannot provide specific data on your school's experiences, many schools across the globe report similar findings to Brackett's. A significant percentage of high school students do experience negative emotions frequently, such as stress, anxiety, and depression. These emotions can have detrimental consequences for students' academic performance, social relationships, and overall well-being. Negative emotions can lead to decreased motivation, difficulty concentrating, and increased absenteeism.
RULER and Emotional and Social Learning
RULER is an acronym that stands for Recognize, Understand, Label, Express, and Regulate Emotions. This framework provides a structured approach to teaching emotional intelligence. By following these steps, students can:
- Recognize and identify their own emotions and the emotions of others.
- Understand the causes and consequences of emotions.
- Label emotions accurately using appropriate vocabulary.
- Express emotions in healthy and constructive ways.
- Regulate emotions to manage stress and promote well-being.
RULER promotes emotional and social learning by providing students with the tools and skills they need to develop empathy, build strong relationships, and manage their emotions effectively.
The Mood Meter
The Mood Meter is a visual tool that helps individuals identify and track their emotions. It is a simple chart with four quadrants representing different emotional states: happy, calm, sad, and mad. Students can place a dot on the chart to indicate their current emotional state, which can help them become more aware of their emotions and their triggers.
Applying RULER or the Mood Meter in a School Setting
Implementing RULER or the Mood Meter in a school setting would involve:
- Integrating emotional intelligence into the curriculum: Incorporating lessons on emotional intelligence into various subjects, such as social studies, health education, or language arts.
- Providing professional development for teachers: Training teachers on how to effectively teach emotional intelligence and create a supportive classroom environment.
- Creating a culture of emotional intelligence: Promoting emotional intelligence throughout the school community, from administrators to students.
Additional Citation:
Brackett, M., & Mayer, J. D. (2015). The science and teaching of emotional intelligence. Educational Psychologist, 50(2), 111-132.
Description: This article provides a comprehensive overview of the research on emotional intelligence and its implications for education. The authors discuss the importance of emotional intelligence for academic success, social-emotional development, and mental health. They also offer practical strategies for teaching emotional intelligence in the classroom.