- Enhanced Training in Executive Function
- Development of Emotional Intelligence
- Creative Thinking
Executive Function
The emergence of human ability to think flexibly — to reason in an abstract manner, to organize, to plan ahead, to initiate, to adapt, to solve problems, to apply new learning to novel tasks — forms the overarching network of skills needed for excellence in learning and thinking across the broad array of cognitive, academic and emotional performances. At the VLC, the enhancement of these skills is integrated into every program, as well as having special focus in some programs as needed.
Emotional Intelligence
It is the Natural Heritage of our Humanity.
Emotional Intelligence is an ability, a skill, and a behaviour that allows one to tap into the emotional framework, signals, and cues of our lives. It opens our awareness to our own feelings and to the feelings of others. It encourages empathy, compassion, and kindness. It expresses our noble qualities of integrity, decency, honesty, kindness and striving beyond ego for a good outcome for others as well as oneself.
High order Emotional Intelligence creates social success in our relationships and interactions. It provides the motivation (the ‘juice’) for excellence in performance of all kinds.
It is the critical component of personal, social and academic performance success required in well-being and in learning to be a leader. When EI is combined with robust intelligence, curiosity, and openness to adventure, it enables the good life to spread out both for the actor and anyone in their path. We are born with Emotional Intelligence however it develops differently as we grow. EI can be delayed and it can be accelerated by targeted learning experiences. At the VLC, the development of Emotional Intelligence in all its facets and complexity underlies the delivery of each individually targeted program.
Creative Thinking
Creative Thinking (THINKERCISE) is a creative thinking enrichment program designed by Drs. Schwartz and Berghofer, called Hold Fire and Think. It is a multilevel thinking game that introduces the concept of separating thinking styles into appropriate application, while protecting creative thinking. This program is combined with other creative thinking tools already integrated into all VLC programs such as Mind Mapping.
This robust life-lasting creative approach to problem-solving and learning challenges will provide VLC students returning to post-COVID-19 pandemic learning with a singular important advantage, the ability to think creatively at a time when finding new solutions to critical challenges will be paramount across all domains, especially learning.