In this webinar recording, Cambridge English Empower author Herbert Puchta explores the application of brain reward system research when teaching adult learners, looking at the aspects of learning that trigger positive emotions, and offered some practical classroom suggestions.
Language learning involves a range of sophisticated skills, and this cognition is closely tied to emotions as well. Positive emotions, which are the brain’s ‘reward system’, but what does this mean in the context of an ELT classroom?
The brain’s reward system functions under four principles: action/engagement, relevant content, understanding and control. Therefore, we must look at what may be rewarding to students under these circumstances in the ELT classroom.
Our brain rewards us for understanding, not for merely getting answers right. This in turn supports the development of higher order cognitive functions, which is vital for language learning. By helping our students become aware of their learning progress, we make their achievements more ‘visual’; this, in turn, helps the learner feel they are in control and gives them a sense of ownership. Displaying work, skills checklists, learning journals and blogs, and competency self-tests can also help.
To link achievement and emotional engagement, we need to involve our students in extensive reading and viewing for fun. Enjoyment is gained through anticipating movement – the thing that, for example, keeps us reading a good book. In an ELT classroom, we can achieve that through presenting new language in an entertaining context – e.g. with use of interesting photos or funny videos. Interesting, less staged photos, will motivate students to tell a story, so they make for good starter activities. This way, students can relate this to their own life and cultural experiences – giving a personal response and analysis of the photo. Funny videos in the target language can also be memorable for students – if film protagonists are charming or memorable, the language they present is generally more memorable too. Asking questions before playing a film can help with engaging students and piquing their curiosity.
To find out more about motivating your adult learners and about the exercises you can use in an ELT classroom, watch the webinar recording below: