Holistic education needs an approach that promotes not only the intellectual and physical development of pupils, but also focuses on their social and emotional needs.
"In fact, research in the field of cognitive science has confirmed that it is the emotional state of the pupils, more than traditional intelligence or academic ability, that determines success," said Dr Johan Swartz, chairperson of the Emotional Intelligence Forum in KwaZulu-Natal.
Swartz was speaking at a media briefing on Thursday about a programme known as EQ which he has developed for pupils, teachers and parents.
Through this programme, Swartz aims to reduce violent acts in schools and drive pupils away from drugs and crime and their general anti-social behaviour. He said schools can no longer afford to be merely institutions of academic learning because they are also forced to address the social and emotional problems that are affecting many pupils.
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The programme begins by means of a test which is divided into three categories: self awareness, self control and inter-personal skills. Once the participant has completed the test, he or she is assessed and then given the results which are explained to them.
The EQ test is different from an IQ test, which tests one's intellectual capability.
According to Swartz, the concept of the EQ is the formalisation of what teachers have always known - but never consciously addressed; that feelings directly affect the quality of our thinking and learning.
"Our emotions, more than our level or type of intelligence, define who we are. What we think is primarily influenced by external factors, and if the environment we live in is predominately negative, it will have an adverse effect on the way we function and live," he said. The EQ test also seeks to help pupils identify their goals and to give them direction to achieving them.
"Once the emotions are stable, the academic life will improve and pupils will start to enjoy learning," he said.
Although the programme has been implemented by some schools, Swartz is hoping it will spread to all schools around the province.
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This article was originally published on page 5 of Daily News on August 04, 2006
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