Exploring the Role of Emotions in Learning

Exploring the Role of Emotions in Learning

By Brittany Fedus
EDI 600 Psychological Foundation of Education
School of Education
Long Island University, C. W. Post
September 15, 2008

As I came into class today I was very nervous to be on the panel. However as the discussion started to unfold I began to feel more relaxed. After returning to my seat I began to reflect on my emotions before the discussion began and my emotions before I teach a dance class. I noticed a striking similarity between the emotions across both settings. I feel nervous, anxious, and excited and although each emotion is independent from the other they tie into each other on a deeper level. I feel these three emotions are the key to making me a better teacher, speaker, and motivator. Without them I wouldn’t feel compelled to perform to the best of my ability. Nerves and a little bit of anxiety are a good thing for me because I feel as though I have to compete with myself and better myself for the good of others.

I enjoyed the reading because I was a psychology major in college. After reading the text a new side of psychology began to reveal itself to me, psychology applied to teaching. I am excited to read further so I can bring my knowledge of psychology into the realm of teaching.