Date
4-17-2024
Department
School of Education
Degree
Doctor of Education in Curriculum & Instruction (EdD)
Chair
James Swezey
Keywords
emotional intelligence, developing emotional intelligence, emotionally intelligent leaders, experiential learning theory
Disciplines
Curriculum and Instruction | Education
Recommended Citation
Kirkland, Sarah, "Recommendations to Improve the Practice of Incorporating Emotional Intelligence Instructional Strategies Within the Marine Corps University Professional Military Education Continuum" (2024). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 5333.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/5333
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to provide recommendations to improve the practice of incorporating emotional intelligence instructional strategies at Marine Corps University (MCU) in Quantico, Virginia. The problem was that emotional intelligence needs to be consistently addressed in the curriculum at MCU since research and strategic guidance indicate that it is a critical component of leadership. This study aimed to increase technically and emotionally competent leaders in decision-making and a more unified military that strives to lead effectively. Increasing military members' emotional intelligence is crucial because this may improve military leaders' capacity to deal with traumatic and stressful situations. It also enhances learners' focus, motivation, and success. The central research question is, How can the problem of a lack of emotional intelligence instructional strategies be solved at Marine Corps University in Virginia? Three forms of data were collected for this applied research: interviews, surveys, and document analysis. Semi-structured interviews consisted of 10 questions and were conducted with each participant on an individual basis. The survey contained five demographic questions and 10 Likert scale questions. For the document analysis, lesson course cards were retrieved from MCU instructors. Qualitative data was analyzed by identifying codes and themes. Based on a review of the scholarly literature and data collection and analysis, two possible solutions are recommended to answer the central research question. The two recommendations are curriculum integration and experiential learning instruction.