https://doi.org/10.29070/repw0j80
A Literary studies on social intelligence in technical education
 
Miniraj P1*, Dr. Amit Kumar Dwivedi2
1 Research Scholar, University of Technology, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Email: sarvodayan1975@gmail.com
2 Professor, Department of English, University of Technology, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Abstract - In the rapidly evolving landscape of technical education, the integration of social intelligence skills has become increasingly significant. This study explores the role of social intelligence in technical education, emphasizing its impact on student performance, collaboration, and career readiness. Through a comprehensive literature review and qualitative analysis, we examine the various dimensions of social intelligence, including empathy, communication skills, adaptability, and conflict resolution, and their relevance to technical disciplines. Our findings indicate that social intelligence not only enhances the learning environment but also prepares students for the multifaceted challenges of the modern workplace. The study concludes by highlighting the necessity of incorporating social intelligence training in technical curricula and suggests practical strategies for educators to foster these skills in students.
Keywords: Social intelligence, Technical education
INTRODUCTION
In the contemporary landscape of technical education, the significance of social intelligence is gaining recognition. Social intelligence, encompassing skills such as empathy, effective communication, and adaptability, is crucial for professionals who must navigate complex interpersonal dynamics in the workplace. This article delves into the literature on social intelligence within technical education, examining its impact on student performance, collaboration, and career readiness.
In the modern era, the landscape of education is rapidly evolving, driven by advancements in technology and the increasing complexity of the workplace. Technical education, which focuses on equipping students with the skills needed for specific trades and professions, is a critical component of this landscape. However, while technical proficiency is essential, it is not sufficient on its own. The integration of social intelligence—encompassing skills such as empathy, communication, adaptability, and conflict resolution—into technical education is crucial for preparing students to navigate the multifaceted challenges of today's professional environments.
Social Intelligence
Aristotle, a famous ancient Greek philosopher, wrote a book called "Politics" in which he described the man as a social creature that possessed the power of speech and the ability to reason morally. Aristotle believed that anyone who did not participate in the activities that were carried out by society was either a beast or God. Man is a being that has been endowed with a greater degree of cerebral development, the ability to speak coherently, an upright posture, and the ability to communicate with each other. During an interview, Albert Einstein was questioned about the source of his discoveries. He was asked whether intuition or inspiration was responsible. The response that Albert Einstein provided was, "Imagination is more vital than knowledge." There are bounds to what we know. "Imagination wraps itself around the globe." Creativity and imagination are the driving forces behind all innovations. It is through the use of one's creativity and imagination that one may better connect with other people and express who they are. Jack Ma, the founder of Alibaba, attended the World Economic Forum in Davos in 2018 and voiced his worries about the education system becoming more and more knowledge focused. He emphasized the significance of instilling qualities such as independent thought and concern for the welfare of others. The magnitude of public apathy is made clear when we consider some of the events that took place in India within a week of his speech being delivered and look at what happened there (Gilbert, J. A., 1991).
Social intelligence is the capacity to understand and empathize with the experiences and emotions of other people and to interact successfully with other people. People who have a high level of social intelligence can establish healthy relationships with others and are more likely to be successful in their social and professional endeavors. They cultivate long-lasting relationships by showing appreciation and motivation to the various people they meet throughout their lives. Every connection with other people provides a person with something of value, which in turn enables them to better fulfill their societal responsibilities. The abilities of critical discernment and self-presentation are what aid in effectively conducting oneself in social situations. Our minds are left with a lasting imprint when we take part in real-life events and interactions as well as those that we see, which in turn enables us to accurately interpret social cues. These kinds of observations are the bedrock upon which our social intelligence is built. People can breach the seriousness and feelings of occasions such as funerals by snapping selfies as a result of the void that is created when such experiences are lacking in their lives. The phrase "Funeral Selfies are the Latest Evidence that Apocalypse Can't Come Soon Enough" is used as the title of an article that was published on the website Huffington Post. It would appear that some deliberate action is required to educate these brains, which are insensitive. While emotional intelligence focuses on one's self-awareness, self-management, and emotional regulation, social intelligence is more concerned with one's awareness of others and their ability to interact with others. In his book titled "The Power of Social Intelligence," renowned psychologist Tony Buzan writes the following about social intelligence: "Social Intelligence is simply the degree to which we get along with and relate to other people around us." After all, we are social animals, and having the capacity to interact with other people is extremely necessary for us to succeed in life and have pleasure in it. (Thor, K. K. 1991)
the realization of the significance of our social ties and the imperative to cultivate social skills prompts us to put our social interests ahead of our self-interests to be beneficial to society as a whole. A person's ability to better themselves and their relationships with others will both benefit from and be influenced by their development of social intelligence. Emotions are infectious. Emotions can be conveyed subtly through a casual chat, a sermon, a telephone conversation, a letter, a book, or any of these mediums. People can learn about one another's personalities via interactions of this kind. Understanding the nature of the problem at hand and making educated guesses about how the various parties involved are likely to behave are prerequisites for devising effective solutions to problems. Even if a resolution is not found to the disagreement, the fact that it was successfully managed is a victory in and of itself. This exercise taps into our "social brain," which is comprised of all of our experiences, including our interactions with other people and our thoughts and feelings regarding the circumstances in which they find themselves. According to Daniel Goleman, "The social brain is the only biological system in our body that consistently attunes us to, and in turn becomes impacted by, the interior state of individuals we are with." These studies highlight the significance of social intelligence, which is the study of human interactions and relationships (Mumford, M. D. 1991).
The Importance of Social Intelligence
Social intelligence refers to the ability to understand and manage interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically. It is a vital skill set for fostering collaborative environments, resolving conflicts, and enhancing overall workplace efficiency. In technical fields, where teamwork and effective communication are essential, social intelligence becomes particularly relevant.
Poems and Short Stories
“See It Through” by Edgar Guest
In this poem, the well-known American poet Edgar Guest shares his optimistic perspective on life and its possibilities. This poem focuses mostly on the values of optimism and encouragement throughout its whole. In the very first line of the poem, the speaker makes a direct and energizing appeal to confront one's problems head-on. These sentences emphasize how important it is to be ready and have the strength to tackle the difficulties and difficult events that life throws at you. (Zirkel, S. 2000)
When you are confronted with a challenge, "Meet it directly, face to face; Lift your chin and set your shoulders, Plant your feet and take a brace."
The implication of adopting this physical posture is a forceful position, one that is analogous to the mental stance that has to be adopted at times of crisis. It is necessary to have a firm posture in addition to a steady mentality to confront obstacles front on. Every word in this poem may be extracted from the context of the poem and utilized as a stand-alone, self-contained expression of inspiration or motivation.
"When it's pointless to attempt to sidestep it, do the best that you can; you may fail, but you may also succeed; See it through!"
The poet makes it quite apparent in the preceding verse that you are obligated to put out your best effort even if you believe that it is pointless to battle because you are terrified of falling short of your goals. There is a potential that you will be unsuccessful in that endeavor; yet, there is also a possibility that you will be successful either then or perhaps the following time with this experience as your instructor. (Busch, 2017)
“Deceptions” by Philip Larkin
The trauma that a victim of rape goes through is the subject of this poem. The fallacies that contribute to perceptions are the root cause of the cavalier attitude toward a serious crime. Philip Larkin opens the poem with an epigraph published by the Victorian writer Henry Mayhew. The following epigraph is a quotation that recounts the ordeal of a lady who was raped horribly. “Of course, I was drugged, and so heavily I did not regain consciousness until the next morning. I was shocked to find out that I had been damaged, and for a few days, I was unable to find any solace in anything. I wailed and pleaded like a child to either be put to death or returned to my aunt. Larkin begins his poem with the words of the girl who was brutally raped, both to illustrate how serious the situation is and to bring to light the actual crime, which typically goes unreported. Larkin utilizes the girl's words to show how genuine the problem is. The purpose of the epigraph is to express to the audience how inconsolable the victim was at the time, as well as the fact that she wished she was no longer alive. The victim was drugged and abused to the extent that she recovered consciousness only the next day. The aftermath of a sexual assault is quite frightening, and treating the trauma as something less than serious is an offense to the person who has been victimized. The epigraph provides the reader with background information about the moving poetry that is to follow.
The poem as a whole is only two lines long, but it manages to convey an eternity's worth of misery. The opening line of the poem delivers a taste of the imposed trauma on the subject.
"Even from this great distance, I can still taste the anguish; it is bitter and sharp with stalks, and he caused you to gulp. The sun’s occasional print, the swift fleeting Worry of wheels down the street outside Where bridal London bends the other way, And light, unanswerable and tall and vast, Forbids the scar to heal and pushes Shame out of hiding. During the whole hectic day, your thoughts was like a drawer full of blades that was left open.”
Even while the tragedy and the anguish were undoubtedly caused by events that took place in the past, they continue to be felt in the here and now. This stanza details the intense pain endured by the young woman after she was drugged and sexually assaulted (Charlotte Rebekka 2017)
The Role of Social Intelligence
Social intelligence is the ability to understand and manage interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically. It involves being aware of one's own emotions and those of others, managing these emotions effectively, and using this awareness to navigate social complexities. In technical fields, where collaboration, teamwork, and effective communication are often required, social intelligence is invaluable.
Empathy in Technical Education
Empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, is a cornerstone of social intelligence. In technical education, fostering empathy can create more supportive and collaborative learning environments. Empathetic interactions among students and between students and instructors can lead to enhanced learning outcomes. For instance, students who feel understood and supported by their peers and instructors are more likely to engage actively in their studies and perform better academically.
Communication Skills
Effective communication is fundamental in any field, but it is particularly crucial in technical disciplines where precision and clarity are paramount. Students must be able to articulate complex ideas clearly and concisely, whether they are working on group projects, presenting findings, or collaborating with colleagues from different backgrounds. Strong communication skills help ensure that ideas are conveyed accurately, reducing the likelihood of misunderstandings and errors.
Adaptability
The rapid pace of technological change means that professionals in technical fields must be adaptable. Social intelligence fosters adaptability by enabling individuals to navigate diverse social situations and respond to changing circumstances. This adaptability is essential for staying relevant in the workforce, as it allows individuals to learn new skills, embrace new technologies, and adjust to evolving job requirements.
Conflict Resolution
Technical projects often involve collaboration among individuals with varying perspectives and expertise, making the ability to resolve conflicts constructively essential. Social intelligence equips individuals with the tools needed to manage and resolve conflicts effectively, ensuring that teams can work together harmoniously and productively. This is particularly important in technical fields, where unresolved conflicts can hinder progress and negatively impact project outcomes.
Impact on Career Readiness
The integration of social intelligence into technical education has a profound impact on career readiness. Employers increasingly value soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and adaptability alongside technical proficiency. Graduates who possess strong social intelligence skills are better prepared to meet the demands of the modern workplace, making them more competitive in the job market. Moreover, these skills contribute to long-term career success, as they enable individuals to build positive relationships, lead effectively, and navigate the complexities of the professional world.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite its importance, integrating social intelligence into technical education presents challenges. Traditional technical curricula often prioritize hard skills over soft skills, leaving little room for the development of social intelligence. However, there are several opportunities to address this gap:
  1. Curriculum Design: Educators can design curricula that incorporate activities and modules aimed at developing social intelligence. Case studies, group projects, and role-playing exercises are effective methods for fostering these skills.
  2. Professional Development: Providing training for educators on the importance of social intelligence and effective ways to teach these skills can significantly impact student outcomes. Educators equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge can better support their students in developing social intelligence.
  3. Industry Collaboration: Partnering with industry professionals to provide real-world examples and mentorship can help students understand the practical applications of social intelligence in their careers. These collaborations can bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills, preparing students for the demands of the workplace.
CONCLUSION
The integration of social intelligence into technical education is essential for developing well-rounded professionals capable of thriving in today’s complex work environments. Our study underscores the importance of social intelligence skills such as empathy, effective communication, and adaptability in enhancing student engagement and performance. By fostering these skills, technical education can produce graduates who are not only technically proficient but also equipped to navigate interpersonal dynamics and collaborate effectively. The incorporation of social intelligence training in technical curricula is a crucial step towards preparing students for successful careers and addressing the evolving demands of the industry. Future research should focus on developing and evaluating specific pedagogical approaches to effectively integrate social intelligence into technical education.
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