Positive Psychology and Learning
There are so many ways that positive psychology is so valuable to learning and this article just considers a small part of the multitude of ways it adds value.
Learning
gives life purpose & direction
One aspect of positive psychology looks at the experience of ‘flow’, which could also be regarded as peak experience; the times when you are absorbed in an activity or pursuit which has just the right level of challenge. This type of activity is very satisfying and can create positive emotions. More than that, though, it can help to create a sense of meaning and purpose while you are engulfed in the experience.
With all learners, of any age, finding the point of ‘flow’ is a good place to be for learning. Taking the example of younger learners, if a challenge is too easy, boredom will ensue - make it too hard and other reactions will occur such as worry, fear, stress which could induce self-doubt and negative emotions towards self and others.
As you can understand, the ideal conditions for learning are body-mind linked. Professor Dorit Aharonov sums up some great principles for learning:
Start within your comfort zone and make it even more comfortable.
Not too easy, not too hard - pick an interesting challenge within your reach;
Move away from your desired place and come back to it from different angles;
Play with it, connect to other things you know and make it your own.
These principles appeal so much to me because they emphasise the learners part in the process and the benefit of relaxing into and enjoying it! It is from a place of comfort and enjoyment that new levels of appropriate challenge can be tackled. This is not the idea of ‘knuckling down’ or ‘grafting’ or ‘working hard’ which have such negative connotations and are far more likely to induce fear than flow!
There are many ways to create a playful environment that allows for flow to be developed and really good learning experiences to emerge - such as humour, having a laugh with it; being playful with your ideas; allowing an environment of fearless creativity where humiliation does not have a place at the table. I could write about this extensively - but this is just a blog. Do get in contact if you would like to know more.
Learning should be rewarding, exciting and fun.
nicola@learntothrive.co.uk