Emotional intelligence and academic performance: how does the relationship work among pre-service teachers in Ghana?

Abstract

Previous research has linked emotional intelligence (EI) to academic performance, albeit mostly in primary and secondary education. This association is unclear for teacher education due to a lack of research, especially in Ghana. This quantitative study examined EI patterns in pre-service teachers at a Ghanaian university to extend previous research knowledge. Using closed-ended questionnaires, 291 participants from the University's recently formed teacher-training department provided data for a cross-sectional survey. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent samples t-tests, and correlations. The findings generally showed a significant connection between the participants’ academic performance and their EI, except for two components (i.e., self-awareness and self-management). Therefore, the study suggested that teacher training institutions in Ghana should emphasize those components in the training curriculum.