Class Activity: Stressful Situation Icebreaker

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Begin the conversation on emotional intelligence by asking one student to describe a stressful situation in which new college students might find themselves—for example, receiving their first poor test grade. Have another student describe a potential reaction to the stressful situation. Ask another student to describe a different reaction. Have other students in the class identify the types of emotions associated with each reaction. Introduce the concept of emotional intelligence and ask students to think of ways in which EI could be improved for each reaction to the stressful situation.