Emotions and Learning

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses how neurobiological researchers have shown that emotions such as fear, stress, arousal and valance (positivity and negativity) all play a role in stimulating the brain in such a way that learning and memory occur. This paper focuses on the effect these emotions have on the learning process.

From the Paper:

"Stress is another emotion that plays a vital role in learning and memory. Stress is actually the heightened awareness that one experiences in a situation where the outcome or consequences may be higher than normal. Everyone experiences stress to some degree on a daily basis; however, it is the most stressful situations that arouse the brain triggering the release of stress hormones. Within milliseconds of the stressful situation, epinephrine and norepinephrine are secreted. Seconds later, the secretion of cortisol follows. Research has shown that these stress hormones act on the brain and thereby modulate cognition, learning and memory. Therefore, a person who is under a lot of stress will be more likely to learn and recall information than someone who is not under a lot of stress."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Rimmele, Ulrike. A Primer on Emotions and Learning. Retrieved July 25, 2006 from:http://www.oecd.org/document/12/0,2340,en_2649_14935397_33813516_1 _1_1_1,00.html
• J. LeDoux, The emotional brain. Phoenix: an Imprint of The Orion Publishing Group, London, 1999.
• Zull, James. The Art of Changing the Brain. Stylus Publishing, Sterling, Virginia. 2002.

More papers on Emotions and Learning:

• Research Paper # 16395 : "Teaching Emotional and Social Skills"
• Term Paper # 107347 : "Emotional and Behavioral Disorders in Schools"
• Article Review # 108834 : "Young Children's Understanding of Emotions"

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