EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT

Abstract

Emotional Intelligence (EI) is essential attribution among school learners of today. In this respect, determination and normalization of the measures to investigate and recognize dimensions levels help educators have a successful intervention and increase students' academic achievement level. This research aimed to explore the relationship between Emotional Intelligence (EI) and the academic achievement of Arabic basic school students in China. Further, it also sought to determine the level of students' emotional intelligence and motivation to learn. The research aims are addressed through a tool that explores emotional intelligence and motivation. A 60-item for initial emotional intelligence scale was utilized and analyzed to test their psychometric properties by pilot testing. A final total of 303 students with ages ranged between 12-16 years old participated in the research. The research findings suggested the final formulation of items of the emotional intelligence scale that can measure the levels of emotional intelligence of students along with a significantly positive relationship to academic achievement. There were statistically significant differences in the respondents' level of emotional intelligence according to the gender variable. In comparison, there were no statistically significant differences in the respondents' level of emotional intelligence according to the grade variable. Recommendations of the research were presented. Keywords: emotional intelligence, academic achievement, factor analysis, development and relationship