The Talent Foundation has published the results of the first phase of its study into the role of Emotional Intelligence in learning.

The survey, which was announced by Talent Foundation CEO Dr Javier Bajer in his interview with TrainingZONE last month, builds on a study conducted earlier this year which showed that individuals with high Emotional Intelligence were significantly more proactive towards learning than those from a control group.

Since EI had emerged as a potential key factor in the success of training individuals, 'A Shortcut to Motivated and Adaptive Workforces' set out to explore is whether Emotional Intelligence can be learnt.

The research compared 100 people who attended a 3½ day EI-type course run by The Landmark Forum, with 100 people from a control group who did not. The research showed that those individuals who had participated in the EI/Motivational course showed significantly higher levels of motivation, self-esteem and confidence in relation to their learning and the application of skills at work than those in the control group.

Based on these findings, The Talent Foundation's belief is that readiness to learn can be developed, and that there is clear evidence that a good attitude towards learning can be developed, and developed quickly.

Further studies are planned to support the work completed so far.