“Good learning does not avoid emotions; it embraces them… Emotions drive attention, create meaning, and have their own memory pathways. They regulate behaviors and they help us organize the world around us. You can’t get more related to learning than that!” (Eric Jensen, Teaching with the Brain in Mind 2nd Ed.) Think seasoning with your favorite meal-just the right amount spices things up, too much is overpowering.
Learning, simply stated, is creating new perceptions—memories—building connections to information already in the brain. The best learning appears to happen in a reliably safe and pleasant atmosphere which encourages kids to take risks, try new things. Since Daniel Goleman’s Emotional Intelligence (1994) drew our attention to understanding the impact of emotion in relationships and education, educators have discovered that emotional states, as identified by Jensen, can make or break learning….here’s how.
Fear-Threat
Engaging students emotionally can boost the likelihood of their learning. A certain amount of urgency piques their interest and encourages risk and challenge, as long as it doesn’t cross the line to threat and fear. The Amygdala monitors threat and danger. Under perceived threat, students will try to get even if possible, or shut down. In that split second, if they don’t see a way out, they leapfrog directly from threat to action, sidestepping all our lessons on thinking carefully before acting. When a similar situation recurs later, their Amygdala shouts a warning which blocks learning “This felt threatening the first time around, why would I want to go there again?”
Joy-Pleasure
Joy pastes a smiley face flag on the memory, an invitation and reminder to return. It may result from social activities, pleasant smells or tastes. Fun and movement release neurotransmitters, dopamine and norepinepherine, creating pleasure and encouraging them to revisit the experience.
Sadness/Disappointment
Sincere disappointment can help children learn from their mistakes or those of others. It works best when children form their own conclusions, rather than being led there by the teacher or other adult. If it turns to shame, however, positive learning shuts down. The risks are real.
Anticipation/Curiosity
Effective teachers know how to set the stage, encouraging students to ask questions about what’s next. Building anticipation increases attention, and turns on the mental appetite, stimulating all sensory systems to take notice. When curiosity is satisfied, both teacher and student celebrate when “the light goes on.” It doesn’t get any better than that!
Security is essential for optimal student learning. Careful consideration of student emotional states can help them learn and retain the concepts and processes we work so hard to teach.
©copyright 2008, Sandra Stanton. For helpful articles, books, resources, Sandra's bio, calendar, news and contact info, go to www.ourbrainbuddies.com