Three Years of Transforming Emotional Intelligence in Education

Over the past three years, the EQStudents project has championed the mission of cultivating emotional intelligence (EQ) in children and adolescents. This ambitious initiative brought together primary and lower-secondary schools, parents, experts, and project partners to establish a comprehensive system supporting EQ development. Its vision is to equip the next generation with the emotional skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly complex world. Here, we reflect on the project’s journey, objectives, and achievements.

Project Objectives

The EQStudents project was designed with several key objectives:

• Comprehensive EQ System: Developing, testing, and implementing strategies to foster EQ in children aged 6-15 with the active involvement of schools, parents, and experts.
• Teacher and Specialist Training: Building the capacity of educators and specialists to teach emotional intelligence effectively.
• Parental Support: Empowering parents to nurture emotionally intelligent children.
• Protection of Vulnerable Children: Addressing the pandemic’s impact on children’s growth and emotional well-being.
• Cross-Sector Collaboration: Strengthening cooperation among schools, partners, and stakeholders to inspire innovation in education.
• Inclusive Education: Ensuring equitable access to high-quality resources, tools, and activities for all students.
• Long-Term Impact: Embedding EQ principles into national education systems to raise emotionally intelligent generations.

Key Achievements

Two distinct models were developed to address the needs of children at different developmental stages:

• EQ Kids Model (Ages 6-10): Focused on younger pupils navigating their first school cycle, this model provides a structured framework for educators, psychologists, and parents to support children, by emphasising the development of self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management to help children adapt to school environments, form friendships, and gain autonomy.
• EQ Teens Model (Ages 11-15): Targeting adolescents, this model addresses the unique challenges of teenage development, such as identity formation and heightened emotionality. It provides tools and strategies to help teens develop EQ components while navigating complex social relationships and preparing for adult life.

The EQTeens Test, an electronic assessment tool, was developed to measure four key dimensions of emotional intelligence—self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management—based on Daniel Goleman’s framework. The tool generates detailed feedback for students, educators, and parents, offering personalized tips and strategies for EQ development. Currently in its standardization phase, the tool has already shown promising results during pilot testing.

A comprehensive toolkit was developed to equip teachers and parents with the resources needed to support children’s EQ growth. This includes manuals, instructional guides, and activity plans to enhance understanding and practical application of emotional intelligence principles in both educational and home settings.

The project introduced a pirate-themed hybrid game for adolescents aged 11-15. Designed to make EQ learning engaging and interactive, the game integrates 12 physical and 12 virtual activities, focusing on the four core dimensions of EQ. Available as a downloadable app with accompanying classroom materials, the game encourages students to practice empathy, communication, conflict resolution, and adaptability.

The project fostered an international network of EQ ambassadors, including teachers, psychologists, and parents dedicated to promoting emotional intelligence in education. This community continues to champion EQ principles and support the project’s long-term sustainability.

Highlights from COMCY

1. EQ Kids Model Development: Establishing a foundational framework to support children aged 6-10 in their emotional development.
2. Pilot Testing at G C School of Careers:
   • Conducted with over 100 students, the pilot testing demonstrated the effectiveness of the EQTeens Test in assessing and fostering emotional intelligence. Insights from this phase are driving the tool’s refinement and standardization.
3. Dissemination Activities at Ayia Napa Primary School:
   • The project engaged students and teachers through the “Identify Your Feelings” game, where students learned to recognise emotions and their triggers through arts and crafts. Using emotion cards, students identified feelings, explored their causes, and creatively expressed these emotions using plasticine. This activity was met with enthusiasm, helping students develop emotional awareness in a fun and interactive way.
4. Final Conference: The project concluded with an engaging conference at Global College, showcasing its outcomes through workshops and presentations on empathy, emotional awareness, and social connection. The event inspired attendees to integrate EQ principles into their daily lives.

Looking Ahead

The EQStudents project leaves a lasting legacy in education by embedding emotional intelligence into the fabric of teaching and parenting. Its comprehensive models, innovative tools, and engaged community promise to shape emotionally intelligent generations equipped to face future challenges with resilience, empathy, and adaptability.

You can find all project results on the project website: www.eqstudents.eu