As educators, we are always on the lookout for ways to improve our teaching methods and help our students reach their full potential. With the ever-evolving field of neuroscience, we now have access to a wealth of information about how the brain works and learns. But how can we use this knowledge to enhance our teaching? This question has been at the forefront of Joshua Eyler’s mind as he researched his new book on the topic.
Eyler, a professor of English at Rice University, has been studying the intersection of brain science and teaching for years. As he delved deeper into the subject, one issue kept resurfacing as a major roadblock to effective teaching – the lack of attention to students’ emotional and mental well-being.
In his book, “How Humans Learn: The Science and Stories Behind Effective College Teaching,” Eyler discusses how our brain processes information and how we can use this understanding to become better teachers. But he also emphasizes the importance of considering the emotional and mental state of our students.
In an interview, Eyler shares his thoughts on this crucial aspect of teaching, “We often focus on the content and delivery of our lessons, but we forget that our students are human beings with feelings, thoughts, and emotions. If we want them to truly learn and engage with the material, we need to create an environment that supports their well-being.”
This may seem like common sense, but it is often overlooked in the fast-paced world of education. With the pressure to cover curriculum and meet academic standards, it’s easy to forget that our students are not just vessels waiting to be filled with knowledge. They are complex individuals with unique backgrounds and experiences that can affect their learning.
Eyler’s research shows that stress and anxiety can have a significant impact on learning. When students are feeling overwhelmed or anxious, their brain’s ability to process information is compromised. This can lead to difficulties in retaining information and applying it later on.
So, what can we do as teachers to address this issue? The first step is to acknowledge the importance of mental and emotional well-being in the learning process. We need to create a safe and supportive classroom environment where students feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and emotions.
One way to do this is by incorporating activities that promote mindfulness and self-reflection. These practices have been shown to reduce stress and improve focus, making students more receptive to learning. For example, taking a few minutes at the beginning of a class to do a breathing exercise or journaling can help students relax and be more present in the moment.
Another crucial aspect is building a strong rapport with our students. When students feel connected to their teachers, they are more likely to engage in the learning process and seek help when needed. This can be achieved by taking the time to get to know our students on a personal level and showing empathy and understanding towards their struggles.
Additionally, Eyler suggests incorporating more student-centered activities in our lessons. This allows students to take ownership of their learning and promotes a sense of autonomy, which can lead to a more positive and confident attitude towards learning.
Creating a culturally responsive classroom is also key in supporting students’ emotional well-being. Acknowledging and embracing the diversity of our students’ backgrounds and experiences can help them feel seen and valued, which in turn can improve their overall well-being and motivation to learn.
In conclusion, as Joshua Eyler’s research has shown, we cannot ignore the importance of addressing students’ emotional and mental well-being in our teaching. By creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment, we can help our students not only learn the material but also develop crucial skills such as resilience, empathy, and self-awareness. As educators, it is our responsibility to not only teach our students academic content but also nurture their overall well-being. Let’s use the power of brain science to create a positive and meaningful learning experience for all our students.
