Newsletter 11 - Positivity

I have great news : think positively about your language learning and you will learn! Read to the end for some useful advice :-)

Positivity can improve learning in several ways, it's (almost) a fact! Here's the reasoning behind that.

• Increased motivation: when you experience positive emotions, you're more likely to be motivated and engaged. With motivation comes increased effort, persistence, and willingness to take on challenges.

  
  

• Enhanced attention: you’re more focused, which leads to improved concentration and better retention of information.

  
  

• Improved memory: you retain new information better. Your memory processing is enhanced. You remember more and recall more easily.

  
  

• Reduced Stress: less stress and anxiety means you are less likely to be distracted by negative thoughts and emotions.

  
  

• Improved creativity: positive emotions can improve cognitive flexibility and creativity. Your problem-solving skills and innovative thinking are enhanced.
  

How come? Well, it's all about your brain again! Many studies have shown that positive emotions can :

• activate the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for cognitive functions such as attention, working memory, and decision-making.

• increase the production of dopamine. When dopamine levels are elevated, students are more likely to be motivated and engaged in learning, leading to better academic performance.

• reduce the production of cortisol (associated with stress). When cortisol levels are high, they can interfere with learning and memory consolidation. By reducing cortisol levels, positive emotions can create a more conducive environment for learning and memory retention.

• activate the amygdala in a way that reduces the influence of negative emotions on learning. Remember, the amygdala is responsible for processing emotions, including fear and anxiety.

By activating several areas of the brain that are important for learning and memory, while reducing the influence of negative emotions that can interfere with the learning process, POSITIVITY PRIMES YOUR BRAIN FOR LEARNING!

Here are some tips for maintaining a positive mindset towards language learning

• Give yourself some mini goals that you can easily reach. Acknowledge your success, no matter how small you might think it is.

• Don't underestimate the power cortisol has in slowing down or holding back your learning: manage your stress (breathe, laugh, move)

• Be open to new ways of learning (neurolanguage coaching for instance): maybe you haven't found YOUR best way(s) of learning. Explore, you might surprise yourself.

• Visualise a positive outcome : don't be defeatist; visualize what you want, dream big, tell your brain you're the boss and you can do it. Don't give up before even starting.

• Learn from your mistakes : don't let mistakes or perceived negative emotions get in your way. Use them to improve. A mistake is a great motivator, use it as such.