The Brain and Emotions
The amygdala (almond sized in the centre of the brain) is involved in the
regulation of emotions. It often works with the hypothalamus to control
and release hormones. Some hormones are responsible for helping transport
information around the nervous system. So when some types of hormones are
released this improves and when other hormones are produced this
interferes with this process. That’s why its difficult to learn if you are
stressed or angry.
It is important that the emotion of self control is shown by students.
Delaying self gratification is vital with respect to the
emotions. A study has shown that children who can hold this self
regulation, tend academically later on be more focused and less stressed.
Fear, anger and stress lessen learning ability. This of course has
ramifications for older people returning to education. On the other hand
positive emotions help with learning. Feelings of failure and lack of
confidence are found in higher levels amongst people from less privileged
backgrounds. Adolescents have "high horsepower but poor steering." This
means that cognitively, adolescents are at a very advanced level but
emotionally they are very poor. It is vital that adolescents try and
foster some emotional regulation i.e. they need to acknowledge their
deficits: attention focus, solve problems and support relationships.
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