A teacher notices some bullying among students. What is the best approach to develop the emotional intelligence of the student who is bullying?

The best approach involves helping the student who is engaging in bullying to understand the feelings of their bullied peer, as this directly fosters emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage our own emotions while also being aware of and influencing the emotions of others.

By focusing on empathy, the teacher encourages the bullying student to step into the shoes of the bullied peer, which can lead to greater awareness of the hurt their actions cause. This understanding can discourage future bullying behavior and promote positive relationships among peers.

In addition, this approach often leads to self-reflection, helping the bullying student to consider the impact of their actions and to make more compassionate choices in the future. Developing empathy is foundational for emotional intelligence and can lead to a more inclusive and supportive school environment.