Emotionally Intelligent course design – what it is and why your course needs it

At a time when digital learning has become ubiquitous in the professional and self-development spaces, it is increasingly important for experts and knowledge bearers to establish and maintain an emotional connection with their learners.

What is EQ, and why does it matter?

Emotional intelligence, also referred to as the Emotional Quotient, or EQ, was popularised by Daniel Goleman in his 1995 book, Emotional Intelligence: Why it can matter more than IQ. In the book, Goleman defines EQ as an awareness of our own emotions, and the emotions of others, and using that awareness to manage behaviour and improve relationships.

The four pillars of emotional intelligence are: 

• Self-awareness: Awareness of our emotional impulses, triggers, patterns and behaviours.
• Self-regulation: Ability to manage and regulate our emotions appropriately.
• Social awareness: Empathy for the emotional responses of others.
• Relationship management: Using our self and social awareness to effectively manage our communication with others. 

What does EQ have to do with learning? 

“At the end of the day people won’t remember what you said or did, they will remember how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou

Creating a course can be a deeply personal process that asks you to reflect on your own knowledge and purpose. Considering Goleman's first two pillars of EQ, harnessing your own self-awareness and self-regulation will help you when you come up against emotional challenges like the inevitable imposter, and other limiting beliefs. Being aware of your own 'stuff' and then being able to regulate that will help you through your course creation process.

Likewise, knowledge of, or empathy for the learner’s experience, through social awareness and relationship management will help you speak to the heart of your learners and design a course that facilitates learning on an emotional level. Online courses that don't emotionally connect with their learners tend to see low engagement, low retention, low completion and low return.

How to create an emotionally intelligent cours

“Positive emotions facilitate learning and contribute to achievement” (Um et al. 2012)

Multiple studies suggest that emotions are an essential component of the learning environment in general, and the online learning environment in particular. So how do you create an emotionally intelligent learning environment in the online space? Through facilitating emotional connection, and social connection. 

Emotional Connection

When a story resonates with an audience, it can inspire action and transformation.  

While there are many ways to create an emotional connection, storytelling is one of the most ancient and enduring. In the digital space, storytelling is a powerful way for your learners to connect with and internalise the concepts being taught. It also encourages them to reflect on their own knowledge, and it inspires them to take the action that leads to transformation.

Storytelling provides context and relevance to the course material, making it more accessible and relatable, which enhances the value of the content. Narratives that reflect the learners' realities are the most potent and impactful. When learners can relate to the content, and connect it to their reality and experience, the learning experience becomes memorable and enduring. 

Social Connection

Social connection is similarly integral to a positive online learning experience. Community groups that connect learners to one another through shared experiences provide a vital human and interactive dimension to online learning. The degree to which learners feel socially and emotionally connected with one another also determines levels of engagement, retention and success. 

Encouraging sharing, discussion, reflection, exchange, collaboration, support and accountability facilitates a sense of belonging in the vast, disembodied digital space. Course instructors should foster a community culture of safety, respect and support. Regular discussion prompts throughout the course that encourage learners to build relationships will enhance engagement, promote community and engender a strong emotional commitment to the learning experience.

Last word

Emotions create impact, which drives attention, motivation and transformation. When designing an online course, it’s important to consider how best to harness the power of EQ – not only in to attract and retain an audience, but also to create a more powerful learning experience.