When we are driving a car and shift to a lower gear, we cause the engine to downshift. Sometimes we can hear and feel the drag on the motor as the engine slows the car. As we feel the mechanical tug slowing us down, momentum lags. Description of an engine downshifting is an excellent parallel for what happens in our brains when we confront fear, fatigue, and confusion. Why is downshifting so important to consider? In schools, teachers and students can experience downshift-ing multiple times a day. A problem overwhelms. Criticism and embarrassment threaten. Fear looms. Downshifting happens in our brains as a tug to slow down. Especially when we experience threat or fear, our brains’ reac-tions get primal. As Hart describes it, the primordial slowdown allows us to conserve energy. It is our brain’s way of preparing to fight or flee, readying to attack or run. The fight-or-flight response activates unless we can mitigate the fear. In schools, both teachers and students can feel as if they are perpetually in fight-or-flight mode. When we are tense, angry, or paranoid, our brains do not allow us to calmly or efficiently learn, absorb, or retain. When threat is present, “full use of the . . . cerebral brain is suspended, and the faster acting, simpler brain resources take larger roles” The concept of downshifting can help us be attuned to and wary of the toll that threat takes on learning and functioning. Shutting down or slowing our cognitive functions during a down-shift can cause loss of memory, attention, and concentration. Vitality, calm, and openness are casualties of such a state, for both teachers and students. Investing ourselves in eliminating (or minimizing) fear from our classrooms, hallways, and lunchrooms serves a great pur-pose for our learners. Safety and security allow interest and con-centration. With conscious efforts to stimulate curiosity, inspire effort, and encourage achievement, all while providing safety, the boosts in learning (and teaching) can be exponential.
Teaching with Vitality: Pathways to Health and Wellness for Teachers and Schools
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