From the editor: Schools should promote group work
Jul 27, 2010
FOR a long time, academic excellence was judged based on intellectual intelligence. Modern research has, however, revealed that excellent transcript grades do not necessarily translate into outstanding performance at work. Research shows that success in the world of work requires more emotional tha
FOR a long time, academic excellence was judged based on intellectual intelligence. Modern research has, however, revealed that excellent transcript grades do not necessarily translate into outstanding performance at work. Research shows that success in the world of work requires more emotional than intellectual skills.
Although academic qualifications are good, modern organisations have adopted a different performance yardstick. This change means schools too need to change their teaching approach to synchronise with the changing times.
It is important that schools adopt more group work as opposed to the traditional individual approach. Such a teaching strategy will provide children with team experience early in life. Group work also instills interpersonal skills and nurtures leadership ability – skills that are invaluable at the workplace.
Since emotional intelligence is a life skill, schools should incorporate counselling into their curriculum as a way of sustaining life skills education. Schools should also note that extracurricular activities provide essential avenues through which they can nurture a child’s emotional intelligence. The activities also provide a platform upon which children discover their hidden talents outside the classroom.
An overdose of book knowledge without interpersonal skills is a deficient education. Ideal education must be balanced.
Although academic qualifications are good, modern organisations have adopted a different performance yardstick. This change means schools too need to change their teaching approach to synchronise with the changing times.
It is important that schools adopt more group work as opposed to the traditional individual approach. Such a teaching strategy will provide children with team experience early in life. Group work also instills interpersonal skills and nurtures leadership ability – skills that are invaluable at the workplace.
Since emotional intelligence is a life skill, schools should incorporate counselling into their curriculum as a way of sustaining life skills education. Schools should also note that extracurricular activities provide essential avenues through which they can nurture a child’s emotional intelligence. The activities also provide a platform upon which children discover their hidden talents outside the classroom.
An overdose of book knowledge without interpersonal skills is a deficient education. Ideal education must be balanced.