Khairul Hisyam Bin Baharuddin English Language Unit, Faculty Of Language Studies And Human Development, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan
This project aims to integrate emotional intelligence into the university ESL environment. It argues that prioritizing teacher empathy over strict linguistic accuracy can significantly reduce student anxiety and dismantle psychological barriers to language acquisition. By utilizing strategies such as multicultural storytelling, perspective-taking roleplays, and digital collaboration, educators can foster a sense of psychological safety that enhances academic performance. It details a structured sixteen-week implementation plan and provides specific methods for measuring emotional growth through validated scales and reflective journals. Ultimately, it suggests that human connection is an essential strategic tool for preparing students for a globalized world. Through this evidence-based approach, instructors can transition from traditional lecturing to a more transformative instructional model that values students' voices.