Neuro-science and the brain
Over the past number of years our school has focused on understanding the brain and implementing neuro-science and brain friendly strategies in our classrooms and also in the way in which we communicate with our students.
By understanding our brain and the way we react under certain conditions we can better support students in their learning and also make more informed decisions as teachers. The brain responds to the environment and if the brain senses a threat (it may not necessarily a physical threat ,but it may be a threat from being unsure, not understanding a concept or thinking that they may be embarrassed etc). When this happens the brain goes immediately into a defence mode.
The amygdala which controls emotions and feelings takes over and acts like a switching station when it senses threat. Instead of making calm, rational and considered decisions with the Pre Frontal Cortex, the amygdala connects with the ancient brain which controls the fight, fight, freeze mechanism.
The response that comes from this is always impulsive and often exaggerated. It is critical that teachers understand this so their reactions are calm and considered.
When students make decisions with the feeling of anger or frustration or a sense of injustice and this is combined with one of the flight/flight/freeze mechanisms then the end result is always going to be a predictable one with a lot of emotions.
Armed with this knowledge and through our own professional learning we are creating a very calm , safe and consistent environment for our students. They are more like to learn and connect with their teachers, their peers and their learning.
By understanding our brain and the way we react under certain conditions we can better support students in their learning and also make more informed decisions as teachers. The brain responds to the environment and if the brain senses a threat (it may not necessarily a physical threat ,but it may be a threat from being unsure, not understanding a concept or thinking that they may be embarrassed etc). When this happens the brain goes immediately into a defence mode.
The amygdala which controls emotions and feelings takes over and acts like a switching station when it senses threat. Instead of making calm, rational and considered decisions with the Pre Frontal Cortex, the amygdala connects with the ancient brain which controls the fight, fight, freeze mechanism.
The response that comes from this is always impulsive and often exaggerated. It is critical that teachers understand this so their reactions are calm and considered.
When students make decisions with the feeling of anger or frustration or a sense of injustice and this is combined with one of the flight/flight/freeze mechanisms then the end result is always going to be a predictable one with a lot of emotions.
Armed with this knowledge and through our own professional learning we are creating a very calm , safe and consistent environment for our students. They are more like to learn and connect with their teachers, their peers and their learning.
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