Clark, M.A. (2004). Teaching children to respect and care for others: An application of multiple intelligences theory. Australasian Journal of Gifted Education, 13 (1), 5-11.
One type of social and emotional intelligence is the ability to show empathy, understanding and compassion for others. These attributes enhance the quality of life for individuals as well as for families, communities, and institutions and may seem to be inborn in some people, but they can also be taught and nurtured.
A school's climate can be a positive influence or a significant barrier to learning and achievement for students, and includes the quality of interactions among children and adults as well as the level of safety, respect and comfort they feel. One of the most important aspects of a positive school climate may be its daily emphasis on respect, specifically as modeled by adults to students. Many schools do include a character education component in their curricula, and many more are looking for effective programs to enhance learning and achievement. With increased globalization and diversity of populations, learning to respect and embrace differences as well as commonalities has become an essential nuance of emotional intelligence and effective functioning in society.
This paper, “Teaching Children to Respect and Care for Others: An Application of Multiple Intelligences Theory,” described a training program for elementary school teachers and interns, in which essential communication and problem solving skills, involving the teaching and modeling of caring and respect, can become a natural part of the classroom repertoire. The paper was published in:
