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Goleman in his article emphasizes the mirror neurons which are brain cells that help us stay connected, these neurons work when we act or see someone else doing it, which makes it easy for us to understand and open our feelings to make use of connections. Therefore, as a leader we need to be socially and emotionally intelligent, this means to be aware of ourselves and other emotions. Being socially and emotionally intelligent helps leaders to manage relationships better. For teachers, it is important to help them connect with their students. Additionally, Understanding and showing empathy for students’ emotions is a way for teachers to connect with them in a school environment. Hence, it is essential for them to actively listen to students and create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere that makes everyone feel valued and secure. Additionally, we can achieve this by encouraging students to share their thoughts and emotions, acknowledging their efforts, and providing support. According to Goleman’s theory, being emotionally intelligent is important in managing our feelings, and building these connections that can help students feel understood and appreciated. Experiencing this emotion can lead students to feel more motivated and enthusiastic about their studies. They will join in more in class, ask questions, and be willing to learn new things. A positive relationship between teachers and students creates a more conducive learning environment and promotes academic success. However, Bar-On 2003, emphasizes the significance of educating individuals to enhance their emotional and social intelligence
Goleman explains that it’s important for teachers, to connect with others on an emotional level. By recognizing their students’ emotions and forming meaningful relationships, teachers can greatly contribute to their students’ development. This could have a significant effect on their learning and growth.
References
Goleman, D. (2006). The socially intelligent. Educational leadership, 64(1), 76-81.
Bar-On, R. (2003). How important is it to educate people to be emotionally and socially intelligent, and can it be done?. Perspectives in education, 21(4), 3-15.
Ahlem’s posting is really interesting. As a professor, I resonate with the importance of connecting socially and emotionally with your students. I find that sometimes this task might be challenging when the number of students in one classroom is large. Still, it is important to make an effort to get to know each student. In my experience, taking attendance is useful because it helps the teacher to remember the students’ names and, therefore, to individualize each one.
I have also noticed in my experience in front of a classroom, that students value the commitment by the professors, which is a good way to enhance engagement and to promote a learning environment.
I would say education is like a huge movement to help people make better choices and thereby making the world a better place to live in. And when these people feel connected to what such movements preach, they do even better. Teachers being the movement and people being their students. And so it is very important and vital that teachers share a connection with their students. But not every child excels or is comfortable in displaying their emotions, verbally or otherwise. So again, it lies with the teacher to guide the child, a way out of their box. And that is going to help them live. Ahlem, your piece of writing was both a reminder and an awareness for teachers and teachers-to-be.
Great discussion on the importance of making connections with students. A sense of belonging is a basic personal need. Teachers have a responsible position to enhance connections and a sense of belonging in the classroom for all students to feel safe and secure. Providing a safe space will enhance learning and peer connections.