Assessing and applying emotional intelligence skills to enhance the student academic experience

Little research has been contributed to how the behaviors associated with emotional intelligence (EI) may be practically applied to enhance the academic experience of students engaged in the higher education enterprise. The purpose of this chapter is to assist students and their academic advisors/mentors in assessing their EI skills, as well as to identify practical approaches to the application of EI to enhance the student experience, both within and external to the classroom setting. Goleman's (2001) and Boyatzis' et al., (2000) four essential elements of EI and the associated 20 behavioral competencies are utilized to develop a methodology for the practical assessment and application of EI skills (Exhibit 1). Specific strategies are described to enable students and faculty advisors/mentors to develop a practice set of behaviors in EI. The practical application of EI skills and behaviors can assist students in the building of self-confidence, self-awareness and relationship management. The assessment process provided in the chapter will aid students and their advisors/mentors in determining their current EI skill level as well as the specific EI skills available to improve their overall academic experience.