Emotions and the brain in the learning process

There's no doubt that there is a strong connection between emotions and the brain. A student who is relaxed and happy is better prepared for the learning process. 
It is well known that when students are engaged and motivated their affective filter lowers to let information flow without any constraints.


The lymbic systen (temporal lobes, prefrontal cortex, amygdala, hippocampus) gives emotion to the information coming in and those pieces of info which are associated with a positive emotion are stored in the long term memory. 

To help our students to be successful learners it is really important to ....

1. Provide a positive atmosphere: Teachers should be able to promote a classroom atmosphere where the student feels safe and confident. It is important for the teacher to be friendly and loving, tell students her expectations and let them talk about their expectations too. When our students know what we expect from them their anxiety lowers and we set the appropriate atmosphere for a successful learning.

2. Make the information they are learning relevant. The lesson should be interestting and motivating. Teachers should ask their students what they are interested about and include their interests in the lesson plan. Students are engaged when they are taught what they want and need to learn. 

3.Let them be more independent. When we give our students more independence they will naturally feel more motivated. When appropriate, create situations where students can control aspects of classroom learning  so that they can practise freedom of choice and objective-setting with peers.
Another point to consider is that, instead of giving students the answers of everything, help them to make predictions. Give them the opportunity to think and reflect, prepare them to be "critical thinkers" The brain actually learns based on a system of predictions and feedback as neuroplasticity strengthens neural networks used to make correct predictions and it corrects memory networks used to make incorrect predictions. (This is why timely corrective feedback is important so those faulty circuits can be replaced with accurate information.) http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/radical-teaching/201005/want-children-pay-attention-make-their-brains-curious

All in all, emotions and the brain are intrinsically connected in all aspects of life, positive emotions will prepare the brain for a successful learning. Conversely, prolonged emotional distress can cripple our ability to learn. There are some tips that, we as teachers, should take into account to make the learning experience a memorable one. First of all, a postitive classroom atmosphere will make students feel safe and lower their anxiety, the information provided by the teacher should be relevant for them so try to include in the syllabus their interests and what they want to learn. Finally, helping them to be more independent learners will increase their motivation and incentive to learn, but most important of all, it will preare them for life.