René Descartes' famous assertion, "I think, therefore I am", (Cogito ergo sum) has long been a cornerstone of philosophical discussions on what it is to be human. Later, neuroscientist Antonio Damasio countered with "I feel, therefore I am", emphasising the fundamental role of emotion in shaping our experiences. Expanding on this idea, Mary Helen Immordino-Yang and Damasio introduced a compelling perspective: "We feel, therefore we learn”
This simple yet profound statement encapsulates the growing body of research demonstrating that learning is inextricably tied to emotion.
Translated back into Latin, it sounds, dare I say, quite funky!
Sentio ergo disco!
Historically, cognition (thinking) and emotion (feeling) have been regarded as separate domains of human experience. Education and psychology have often treated them as distinct, with rational thought assumed to be the dominant force in learning, decision-making, and problem-solving. However, emerging research suggests that this separation is neither entirely accurate nor beneficial. Instead, cognition and emotion work together in complex and dynamic ways, particularly in the context of learning.
The Role of Emotion in Learning
Emotional states profoundly influence the key cognitive processes integral to education - learning, attention, memory, and decision-making. Here’s how:
Attention
Emotional significance plays a crucial role in our focus. Studies show that emotionally charged stimuli more effectively capture our attention than neutral ones. This is why storytelling, humour, and personal relevance make lessons more engaging.
Memory
Emotionally significant experiences are often better remembered. The amygdala, a brain structure involved in processing emotions, plays a key role in strengthening memories linked to strong emotional responses. This is why personal experiences, inspiring teachers, or even moments of struggle in learning tend to leave lasting impressions.
Decision-Making
Decision-making is far from purely logical; it is deeply emotional. Damasio’s somatic marker hypothesis suggests that emotions guide choices by associating past experiences with bodily sensations, helping us predict outcomes and make more effective decisions
Motivation and Persistence
Emotions influence motivation, shaping students' willingness to engage with learning tasks. Positive emotions like curiosity and excitement enhance intrinsic motivation, while negative emotions like fear or anxiety can hinder learning unless adequately managed.
In real-world situations, rational thought is always intertwined with emotion. Whether we're using mathematical principles, analysing literature, or making business decisions, emotions provide the context and motivation that influence how we process and apply information.
Learning is most effective when cognitive and emotional processes are working in harmony, reinforcing the idea that a purely detached and logical approach is neither practical nor ideal.
So what does all that mean for us?
Understanding the link between emotion and learning has significant implications for teaching and educational practices. Think about:
Utilising Storytelling and Personal Relevance
Teaching strategies that connect with students’ emotions, such as storytelling, project-based learning, and real-world applications, improve engagement and retention.
Creating a Supportive Learning Environment
Chronic stress negatively impacts memory, attention, and emotional regulation. A positive, emotionally safe classroom fosters student well-being and cognitive growth. Establishing strong relationships between teachers and students can help reduce stress and foster resilience.
Recognising the Impact of Stress on Learning
Excessive Stress affects brain structures essential for learning, like the hippocampus (memory) and prefrontal cortex (decision-making). Teachers should be aware that students facing adversity may struggle with focus, retention, and problem-solving.
Incorporating Mindfulness and Stress-Reduction Strategies
Practices like mindfulness, breathing exercises, and movement breaks can help students regulate stress and enhance cognitive function. Encouraging reflection, gratitude, and emotional awareness builds resilience.
Adapting Teaching to Individual Needs
Understanding that stress and socioeconomic factors shape brain development. Teachers might adopt flexible, differentiated instruction to support diverse learners, recognising that environment and relationship are the two big players in how effectively children learn. We might call this Trauma-Informed Teaching!
To wrap up
We should embrace their interconnectedness rather than viewing cognition and emotion as separate forces. Emotions shape how we learn, remember, and apply knowledge, making them an indispensable part of the learning process. By integrating emotional awareness into education, we create more meaningful, effective, and enduring learning experiences.