The Non Conscious Learning environment

I loved this chapter on Motivations! Whereas some of the other chapters we have read were cautionary, this chapter was positive and inspiring.  The instruction given to teachers as we interact with students was affirming and helpful as we strive to create comfortable learning environments for our students.  Most of what we are learning happens on a non-conscious level.  We take cues from all kinds of things including sights, sounds, aromas, feelings,  etc.  We are learning all the time based on what is happening now, our past experiences and the way we internalize and synthesize information.

The capacity of the human brain is nearly unlimited. We store and code all types of information.  It is our job as teachers to help students decode learning by first creating a comfortable learning environment.  We can use the art of suggestion and a positive environment to help our students learn more effectively.  Some key suggestions:

1. Set high standards of attitude, dress and professionalism
2. Use a variety of teaching methods and resources
3. Tell positive stories of prior students success
4. Counter stereotypes
5. Be encouraging
6. Provide sufficient resources for learning
7. Be receptive to questions
8. Create comfort zones

Strive to improve professionalism by showing respect for students, sharing information about your educational background, talk about mentors, become knowledgeable in a given area, become a spokesman,  publish in professional journals, etc.

Other areas which help create a positive learning environment include:

1. Being congruent
2. Helping students understand relevance of subject matter
3. Allowing for movement
4. Having flexible seating arrangement

APPLICATION:   Most students can be motivated through one method or another given the right conditions. This chapter helps remind me that we as teachers have so much power to create a positive environment.  We can make our classrooms what we want them to be.  I have definitely felt that in the many different classrooms I have been in over my lifetime.  Each is unique, yet reflective of the teacher and his/her individual style.  For good AND for bad.   If we desire to have a good outcome, and work towards that, we will be successful. As we incorporate more of the suggestions we learned in this chapter, the better able we will be to help motivate our students in the learning environment.