Which among the following is least important for the academic success of students?

Legal competence is least important for students' academic success, as knowledge of law bears little on classroom achievement.

Cognitive competence, the ability to think, reason and process information, is directly central to learning.

Emotional competence, managing one's feelings and motivation, strongly supports academic performance.

Social competence, working and relating well with others, aids collaborative learning and adjustment.

Cognitive, emotional and social competencies together underpin holistic development.

Emotional intelligence was popularised by Daniel Goleman as vital to success.