Common Concerns  Emotional
Functioning and Behavior
Emotions are the feelings that color our lives and allow us to experience all of the joys and sorrows of life. Psychologist Paul Ekman, an expert in the field of emotions, has identified six core emotions that are universally experienced and recognized: happiness, fear, anger, surprise, disgust/contempt, and sadness. While happiness is a desirable emotion that can enhance learning and surprise may enhance attention and learning, fear, anger, disgust/contempt and sadness can interfere with learning.
Emotions are cognitive processes that originate in the brain,
specifically in a small structure located in the middle of the
brain between the lower center or brainstem that regulates more
basic body functions and the higher center or cortex that regulates
more complex functions and thought. The brain interprets and
directs our emotions and behavior. Priscilla Vail, an expert
on learning, described emotion as the "on-off switch to learning".
According to Vail, when the switch is off, the system is inactive
and only the potential for learning is available. When the switch
is on, the pathway to learning is open.
Children who are experiencing feelings of anxiety, anger or depression are far less likely to be successful in school than children who are happy. These negative feelings diminish the efficiency of cognitive processes such as attention and memory and can affect students' interactions with others. Conversely, if children are having difficulty with cognitive processes such as attention, memory and/or language, their emotional well-being is diminished, and learning suffers.
Identifying a student's emotional and behavioral strengths and weaknesses is critical for developing optimal learning conditions.
Resources
Brooks, R. & S. Goldstein. (2002). Raising resilient children: Fostering strength, hope, and optimism in children. Baltimore, MD: Paul Brookes Publishing Company.
Ekman, P. (2007). Emotions revealed, Second edition: Recognizing faces and feelings to improve communication and emotional life. Cambridge, MA: Malor Books.
Ekman, P. and W. Friesen. (2003). Unmasking the face. Cambridge, MA: Malor Books.
Goldstein, S. and R. Brooks (2007). Understanding and managing children's classroom behavior: Creating sustainable, resilient classrooms. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley Press.
Goldstein, S., Brooks, R. and S. Weiss (2006). Angry children, worried parents: Seven steps to help families manage anger. Plantation, FL: Specialty Press.
Hallowell, E. M. (1998). Worry: Hope and help for a common condition. New
York: Ballantine Books.
Vail, P. (1994). Emotion: The on/off switch for learning Rosemont, NJ: Modern Learning Press.
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