Emotional Learner
A few years ago, I had a bright and enthusiastic student in one of my first-year classes who was always cheerful and eager to get involved in many academic and extracurricular activities from volunteering in conferences to planning holiday parties. When I had her again in the 4th year, I noticed that she didn’t have the same attitude. She was quiet and less active, and somewhat bitter. When I curiously asked her if everything was ok and what had happened, she said “you guys did it,” referring to the university. This encounter and many other conversations with students made me wonder how we emotionally affect our students. It is not uncommon to find those who are frustrated, overwhelmed, stressed, and disappointed, those who can’t wait to get out, don’t trust us anymore, or have given up any lofty learning ideas and just want a passing grade. There is a strong body of knowledge discussing the affective aspects of education, the role of emotional intelligence, and frameworks such as so