Frame of Mind on Learning
What impact does frame of mind have on the learning process?
When students are preoccupied with some aspect of their lives, they tend to let their minds wander and this makes retaining any information very difficult.
Frame of mind has a huge impact on the learning process. If a student isn't confident that they have the potential to succeed then their failure may be inevitable. Sometimes I get students that start a program because someone in their personal life has pushed them to. Students that start out being there feeling forced don't tend to have much confidence either. As instructors we tend to be life coaches as well. Students sometimes need a person to just tell them that they are capable of success. That alone can be helpful in changing their thought process.
Sometimes students enter a classroom with a preset state of mind. This can have a tremendous effect on learning outcomes. Not only do negative thoughts interfere with their learning, but baggage that is brought from home often places negative feelings in the way of their learning. Unfortunately not all problems can be solved with learning methods. Instructors need to be counselors as well.
An instructor's frame of mind impacts the student's learning process. As an instructor I think we have to take time to learn students' learning styles and be willing to change the way we might teach a certain class if the "usual way" isin't working. A student's frame of mind definitely affects the learning process as well. I often see students enter my dosage calculation class with a pre-conceived idea that they will not do well because they have always had trouble with math. I tell them to have an open mind and that positive thinking goes a long way. I also use different approaches/problem solving skills geared towards the different kinds of learners in the class.
therese, the ultimate challenge is to teach math in ways students can grasp it. Thank you for your varied approaches to get them all to successful outcomes.
Michele Deck
I myself am a combination of learning styles and when we assess our new students before class, we find the majority of individual student's assessments of themselves to be more even than falling neatly into the buckets of jabber/naturalist/etc. We have to be careful then to not pigeon-hole them into the style that they scored the highest on, and take all of their answers into consideration. That being said, I believe that the frame of mind/style has some effect on the learning process, but is not the missing piece because in theory, a generalized, integrated approach to teaching should create an inclusive learning environment.
Gayle, I agree that an integrated approach is best. I am distressed by educators who over rely on only methods they are comfortable with, and ignore the rest (such as using only lecture).
Michele Deck
THE INSTRUCTORS FRAME OF MIND IMMEDIATELY IMPACTS THE STUDENTS AND CAN INSTANTLY ENGAGE OR DISENGAGE THE STUDENTS. I FIND THAT IF YOU ARE OPEN AND SHOW STUDENTS HOW YOU LEARN AND WHATS EFFECTIVE FOR YOU, THE STUDENTS OPEN UP ABOUT THEIR BEST TOOLS. THIS GIVES THEM AN OPEN FRAME OF MIND AND LETS THE STUDENT KNOW THAT YOU ARE RECEPTIVE AND INTERESTED IN THEM
kristine, creating a safe and open learning environment will benefit you and your learners. Learning is a risk, we have to encourage it in a safe way.
Michele Deck
I agree with all of the responses to this question. How many times have we heard something along the lines of "Leave it at the door"...This is a two way street. Everyday many of us are competing against obstacles in life. Some obviously more challenging than others. If a students frame of mind isn't quite there in the classroom, they are missing an aboundance of material that they need for a successful career. If the teachers mind isn't there, they may lack vital information that should be discussed and may not even be able to recognize when a student is having trouble in the class. Unfortunately it is not all that easy to just turn off that negative vibe or just drop it at the door.
Amy, we must be supportive to learners, recognizing we can't fix everything.
Michele Deck
A students and teachers frame of mind is very important in learning. If the students is having a bad day at home and they are physically present in class but not mentally they will not retain or pay attention in the class. If the teacher is having a bad day, they will remove their frustration on the students or leave out giving vital informtation to the students.
Jumana, I agree that the attitude of the day can be one of positive or negative origin.
Michele Deck
A positive frame of mind can motivate a student more. The student is more open to learning.
Ma. Louella , the importance of a good, positive attitude in a students can help even struggling students aim for success and reach it.
Michele Deck
I find that being positive and excited about the material being discussed/presented that day is directly related to how the students interact in that lesson. The student may come in with a bad attitude because they think the class is worthless to their goals or because they are having problems at home, but if they see an excited enthusiastic instructor they will pay attention even if it's just to see what we (the instructor) will do next! In turn, they listen, they participate, and ultimately they learn!
Allyson, it is a great strategy to keep your learners curious and guessing as to your next move. It engages their interest.
Michele Deck
Frame of mind has everything to do with learning. If the learner has low self-esteem, a belief of failure, lack of motivation...etc...the learning process is broken to begin with. These things need to be recognized and addressed in order for the learning process to be effective.
Gail, I agree these challenges need to be addressed proactively for the learners to find success.
Michele Deck
