Emotional Competency In The Classroom Essay

Learning is the product of cognitive processes that interplay with the emotional and attitudinal readiness of an individual. It is, as Carl Rogers says, the â€Å"insatiable curiosity that drives the adolescent boy to absorb everything he can see or hear or read about gasoline engines in order to improve the efficiency and speed of his cruiser. † In essence, it is the student’s inner motivation to identify that which is in the environment as something relevant and important and incorporate that into his system in order for him to become a better person. It is the drawing in of knowledge and drawing out of an idea [Rogers, 1994] to impart and impact one’s environment. In this context, learning in a school setting is a much difficult process when the school curriculum and the school policies do not provide the good sowing ground for learning. Thus, the cognitive change does not happen at all in such setting. There are only cramming for exams and exchange of notes. There are only heads for attendance purposes and papers for course requirement purposes. The individual change which brings about commitment to make the difference is totally absent. It is never too late to start a different path. Along this line, this strategic plan is aimed at enhancing emotional competence of all stakeholders in the school community. The change involves all and everyone. The students are the beneficiaries and everyone else is the instrument of change. The success of this much-needed change in the learning setting in school depends upon the trust, respect, open-mindedness, flexibility, and open communications that each one in the school organization would be willing to adopt, espouse, and commit. Strategy In order to effect a change in the learning processes in school, it is important that all stakeholders in school become aware of their functions and responsibilities towards the aim of creating a safe and nurturing school environment in order to develop the students’ emotional competence. To implement this strategy, this plan is endorsed for implementation. The Plan Consistent with the strategy to enhance students’ emotional competence for learning, the following objectives and action steps shall be pursued: Objective A: To review the present school setting, such as school policies, curriculum, student handbook, methods of teaching, grading system, recognition system, disciplinary action policy, and other relevant policies. Action Step A. 1. Create committees who will be responsible for the review of relevant school policies and materials as identified in Objective A. Action Step A. 2. Propose revisions/amendments to make these policies and guidelines applicable and relevant to this strategic plan. Action Step A. 3. Present the proposals to school administration in order to let them understand the need for change all for the betterment of the school, the students, and the teacher. Action Step A. 4. Seek approval of the proposals or where revisions have to be made, revise and present final paper for approval by school administration. Objective B: To incorporate student-centered learning principles and practices in the school curriculum, programs, activities, and classroom teaching methodologies. Action Step B. 1. Create student activities which are centered on students’ learning potentials and capabilities. Action Step B. 2. Modify the role of the teacher from lecturer to collaborator/facilitator in the learning process. Action Step B. 3. Motivate students to take active roles in the learning process through classroom discussions, activities, and projects which engage their mental faculties. Action Step B. 4. Revise current student-evaluation or adopt a grading system which truly reflects student learning. Action Step B. 5. Provide effective feedback mechanism to update, improve, coach, and develop students’ capability to learn in the classroom. Objective C: To conduct school-wide information drive as regards the strategic plan which involves the commitment of all stakeholders in school. Action Step C. 1. Prepare the information and campaign materials which should substantiate the rationale and the commitment that is required from every single individual in school. Action Step C. 2. Make a schedule for the information dissemination without necessarily disrupting classes. Small group meetings are highly encouraged as communication and feedback would be more direct and enriching. Action Step C. 3. Identify members of the Speakers Bureau who will be tasked to lead the information drive and information campaign. These could be the informal leaders whose charisma with students and teachers is unquestionable. It is important to get stakeholders attracted to the idea and more important for them to give their whole-hearted support to the strategic plan. Action Step C. 4. Record all feedbacks during the information drive for the evaluation of the Committees and upon which point may be clarified or changes may be adopted. Action Step C. 5. Conduct an overall general assembly inviting all stakeholders and giving them feedback on what transpired during the small group meetings. A consensus should be reached as to everyone’s commitment to support the strategic plan. This is an appeal to emotion and highly cognitive discussions should be avoided. Implementation After getting everyone’s commitment to the strategic plan, implementation and monitoring are the functions of the school administrators jointly with the student council. Regular feedback mechanism should be established. The success of the strategic plan lies in the dynamism of all the stakeholders involved in the processes. Dynamism comes about in an atmosphere of total commitment to a very noble cause.