Building Effective Values Educators: The Role of Emotional Intelligence and Instructional Efficacy

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between emotional intelligence and instructional efficacy among Grade 6 Values Education teachers in selected elementary schools in Hagonoy I District, Davao del Sur Philippines, focusing on emotional intelligence dimensions such as anxiety management, decision-making, time management, commitment ethics, and interpersonal relationships, alongside instructional efficacy indicators like efficiency, productivity, empathy, cooperation, and involvement. Using a descriptive-correlational research design, the study, conducted in selected elementary schools in Davao del Sur, Philippines, from 2015 to 2016, employed adapted and validated questionnaires to gather data from all Values Education teachers, ensuring a comprehensive sample size. Descriptive statistics analyzed mean scores and standard deviations, while correlation analysis examined the relationship between emotional intelligence and instructional efficacy. Results revealed that teachers exhibited high levels of emotional intelligence and instructional efficacy, with a significant positive correlation (r = 0.989, p = 0.001375 < 0.05), emphasizing the vital role of emotional intelligence in enhancing teaching effectiveness. These findings emphasized the importance of nurturing emotional intelligence among educators to improve instructional practices and achieve positive student outcomes in Values Education. The study contributes to theory by reinforcing the critical link between emotional intelligence and effective teaching, suggesting its integration into teacher education frameworks. Practically, it recommends targeted professional development programs to enhance teachers' emotional intelligence, promoting improved classroom management, stronger teacher-student relationships, and better educational outcomes.