How emotions affect our learning process and how to overcome them!
Emotions affect our Learning Process
Emotions and learning can’t be seperated. Emotions can both enhance and interfere with our learning process. So positive or negative emotional states affect the learning environment. As a consequence we can design our own more effective learning experiences, when we are aware of our emotions.
This week I became again aware of the relation between emotions and learning. Everything began with the last class of my student and the evaluation of her learning process during the 5-Step-Program. She said: After this Program I enjoy talking in German. This phrase stayed in my head and caused an echo inside of me.
So many German learners almost hate or at least dislike to talk in German. Learning German and especially talking in German triggers a lot of negative emotions inside of them: fear, insecurity and anxiety. (Study about fear during German Learning) Unfortunately these negative emotions make it even more difficult to learn the language effectively.
How do I support my students in their learning process?
Once again I questioned myself, my values and my teaching methods. How do I support my students to change their negative mindset about the German Language into a positive one?
- In step 1 of my 5-Step-Program I motivate my students to rethink their learning habits. To learn a language doesn’t have to be boring or stressful. You can find a way that motivates you and that is really interesting for you. Do what ever you love, but do it in German! You love music – listen to German music! You are passionate about movies – watch them in German!
- To improve vocabulary and grammar skills is one important factor. These skills affect immediately your security and your communicational competence. That is why it is our Step 2 in the 5-Step Program. You work on the important
- Practice helps you to improve your speaking skills. It is a bit like a vicious circle: you are afraid to speak, so you don’t speak. Nevertheless you have to overcome your fears and start to use the language. In the 5-Step-Program we only speak German and we practice intensively about topics that are relevant for you!
My personal Approach
Furthermore my goal is to create a real connection with every student. During the one-to-one session exists a safe space to practice the language without judgement. I find out what moves my students and in what are they interested. I am here to listen to you, because I want to understand you! That is the reason why I enjoy every session and normally we laugh a lot together. This creates a positive emotion that is connected with the German language! Read more about fear and motivation here.
To hear from my student that she changed her mindset about German Language, that she enjoys conversation in German and even gets compliments for her German from her conversation partners really made me happy. This is something that money can’t by.
Get in Contact with me!
If you want to learn more about my 5-Step-Program, click here! And if you want to book a free assessment class, click here. I will answer you all your questions.
Last but not least: How do you feel about speaking in German? Do you enjoy it or you still hate it? Leave me a comment!
