Optimum academic performance and its relation to emotional intelligence

In Emotional Intelligence, Daniel Goleman (1995) discusses the effect of emotional competence on optimum performance. He describes the state of flow in which optimum performance occurs. Literature from coaching sports talks about this state of total concentration, as well. Our goal as teachers is to provide an atmosphere where flow occurs easily and the students are totally engaged in learning. This paper reviews the elements of flow and describes educational activities and programs which promote flow. It suggests how these can be tied to self-directed learning strategies to prepare professionals for lifelong learning.