A case study on an integration of five domains of emotional intelligence in English language teaching

The main purpose of this study was to investigate how to establish a meaningful English language learning process in the context of Goleman's (2014) five domains of Emotional Intelligence. The study also aimed to investigate the learners' attitudes towards the integration of emotional intelligence awareness raising activities in English lessons. The researcher integrated five domains of emotional intelligence into the first five chapters of the book Beowulf, the earliest legend in English literature. The study was conducted with 8th grade learners in a Private Secondary School in Mersin, Turkey. The study was conducted during two-hour additional Language of Arts lessons at this school. 17 learners participated in this study. The learners were observed in their natural learning process. Throughout the research, the data were obtained through observation forms; a teacher journal and follow-up interview questions. It took 5 weeks to implement the study. Findings showed that as educators if we set well-designed lesson activities which are integrated with five domains of emotional intelligence as identified by Goleman (2014); self-awareness, motivation, self-regulation, empathy and adeptness, the learners can learn how to manage their emotions and this enables them to improve their emotional intelligences. If the teachers involve the learners into the lesson, the learners can learn the target language easily and effectively. This study provides necessary and useful information to understand the role of emotional intelligence in English language learning process.