Does fear help you learn?

This close link between fear and memory may lead us to think that fear promotes learning. However, research shows that it can have long-term negative consequences for both children and adults and make learning more difficult.

So how do we learn and what do we learn when we are afraid? Here are the answers that research brings us.

(Article from Conversation, written by Deborah Pino Pasternak Associate Professor in Early Childhood Education and Community, University of Canberra)

How fear affects children’s learning

Fear is designed to protect us from present and future dangers. By facing situations that frighten them, children learn to avoid new experiences rather than explore, engage, and approach the unknown with curiosity.

Constant exposure to fear changes the way the brain responds to the outside world. Fear triggers the stress response in the brain and puts it on alert; It makes us hyper-reactive to respond decisively to emerging threats.

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This attitude can be welcome if you find yourself, for example, facing the aggression of a stranger. But it is not productive in a learning environment like school, where we are asked to be open to new experiences and create innovative solutions.

In fact, the areas of the brain that are activated when we are afraid are different from those we use when we think carefully about how to approach a difficult problem. Research shows that when we are in a state of fear, the most primitive parts of the brain take over the activity of the prefrontal cortex, the “control center” of the brain.

This means that it is very difficult to make predictions, make wise decisions, and use current knowledge if we are feeling fear or dread.

Fear spreads from adults to children

Adults play an important role in how children will respond to fear. Their behavior in unfamiliar situations serves as a model for young children. They also create a safe environment (or not) that encourages children’s exploration.

Fear is easily learned by important adults in a child’s life. Studies have shown that toddlers and school-age children learn to avoid new experiences if their parents communicate the matter or show signs of fear.

For example, consider how a child can learn to fear animals by watching their parents’ reactions. Or, for example, how constant warnings such as “Beware!” » May make the child too anxious to take risks while playing, climbing trees, etc.

Adults’ behaviors also influence children’s degree of inner security that allows them to dare to be themselves and explore the world with confidence.

Studies of parenting behaviors consistently show that physically and verbally aggressive parenting is associated with poorer child performance, including poorer academic performance, higher levels of aggression and anxiety, and poorer relationships with peers.

The situation is completely reversed when parents, while giving rules and limits, are warm and encourage autonomy.

Teachers can also play an important role in the development of fear responses. If teachers are “autonomy-friendly,” students are more likely to be motivated and have successful schooling, by being curious and open to students’ interests, soliciting their viewpoints. Look and offer them choices, to accept a range of emotions, from frustration, anger or reluctance to play, to joy and curiosity.

Effects of fear on adult learning

Many people who suffer from anxiety as adults were exposed as children to an environment where they felt constantly threatened.

These adults avoid taking on new tasks, constantly considering new questions and multiplying points of view. These are skills that employers generally value.

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A work environment that creates fear can be hostile and even stressful.

Research suggests that when employees perceive their work environment to be unsafe, they suffer from burnout, anxiety and stress. Stressful situations can also interfere with our ability to transfer what we know to new situations.

Additionally, researchers say that a trusting relationship between employees and their superiors can influence workers’ propensity to disclose their vulnerability and accept tasks that involve uncertainty.

Researchers have also found that positive relationships at work can encourage creativity, making assignments more interesting and enjoyable.

What do we learn when we are afraid?

Fear actually accompanies learning. The question is what it is.

In the face of threats and hostility, we learn to avoid challenges and obey external rules instead of thinking about how to reform the system. We guard our emotions and limit our thoughts to areas that feel safe.

Is this the type of education that allows us to grow and develop?

More than ever, children and adults need to collaborate creatively to solve difficult problems. This means being able to face uncertainty and accept making mistakes or failing. Developing these skills requires a safe and nurturing environment, not governed by fear, in the home, school or work environment.