Empowering Children and Adolescents Through Emotional Intelligence Development and Assessment

The Erasmus+ EQStudents project is an innovative initiative designed to boost the emotional intelligence (EQ) of children and adolescents. A partnership of organisations and experts in the field from five countries, Cyprus, Greece, Poland, Romania, and Italy have come together to develop a comprehensive system that supports the emotional growth of young people through the active involvement of primary and lower-secondary schools, parents, experts, and project partners. The ultimate goal is to raise a more emotionally intelligent generation that can better navigate personal and social challenges. Within the framework of the project, a variety of tools and manuals have been developed and are currently in the final stages of finalisation.

Emotional Intelligence Assessment Tool for Teens (EQTeens)

The EQ Teens model strives to enhance emotional intelligence among young students, between the ages of 11 and 15, by equipping them with the necessary skills in self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management, based on Daniel Goleman’s EQ framework. This holistic approach will involve educational institutions, parents, and communities to create a support system that nurtures EQ development.

On Tuesday, 24th September, the pilot testing took place at The G C School of Careers, where more than 100 students participated. Our team introduced the concept of emotional intelligence, showcased the tool, and led its use and assessment among the GC School students.

The pilot yielded encouraging results, indicating that the tool can effectively assess students’ EQ. Following this phase, the next step will involve the standardization of the tool. Once finalized, the tool will be used by teachers to generate reports for both educators and parents. These reports will provide insights into the child’s emotional intelligence, along with practical guidelines for supporting their emotional development.

Benefits of the Emotional Intelligence Assessment Tool

The EQTeens Tool is designed to enhance students’ success in the educational environment by promoting emotional understanding and resilience. It will help boost self-esteem, improve learning processes, and aid in overcoming school challenges. Importantly, the EQTeens will support children with special educational needs, reducing the risk of social exclusion by providing tailored support and preventing school dropouts.

Developed according to rigorous psychometric standards, EQTeens will be objective, accurate, reliable, and meet the professional testing criteria of organizations like the Polish Psychological Association and the American Psychological Association (APA). The tool’s robust methodology ensures it can be a valuable asset for educators and psychologists in fostering emotional intelligence among students.

By empowering young people with emotional intelligence, Project EQStudents aspires to equip the next generation with the skills necessary for both academic success and personal well-being. A great many thanks to the teachers at The G C School of Careers for the coordination and facilitation of the pilot testing and for contributing to this innovative approach towards developing EQ among students!