According to Ms. Tran Uyen Nguyen – a master of education, currently working at Willow Oak Montessori School (Pittsboro, North Carolina, USA), when children have the ability to study themselves, whether the family is rich or poor, intellectuals farmer , the child also starts from the same starting line as his friends. Ms. Uyen Nguyen shares some parts of self-study from a neuroscientific perspective and shows how parents can train their children’s self-study ability.
Ms. Tran Uyen Nguyen – Master of Education, currently works at Willow Oak Montessori School (Pittsboro, North Carolina, USA).
1. Growth mindset
Growth mindset – includes knowledge of brain plasticity and the belief that we can train the brain to change in the desired direction. Unlike the fixed mindset, which is the belief that every person is born with a certain fixed IQ, the growth mindset proves that we are getting smarter every day if applied in the right way.
When we learn something new, a new connection is formed between the neurons involved in the formation of that new knowledge. As we practice, the layer of myelin around that connection gets thicker and thicker. Like a paved road, the circulation of information is faster and more efficient on a thicker Myelin-coated compound. Regular practice of a new skill spreads myelin over the connections of our neurons, making it increasingly easier for us to use that new knowledge or skill.
If we make mistakes, it is simply because the optimal connection has not yet been established or because the brain is testing a new connection. Understanding brain flexibility and a growth mindset is the first step to self-education.
Parents can help their child build a growth mindset by normalizing mistakes and rewarding effort and regularity of practice rather than rewarding good results (for example, instead of praising your child for doing well, praise children for their hard work), and by changing children’s beliefs about reinforce brain maturation through practice (e.g. when children have not yet mastered math, it can be emphasized that they are “not mature” but also not “not good” or “ignorant”).
2. Intrinsic motivation
Intrinsic motivation is the desire to work without reward or punishment and not under the influence of others. Unlike extrinsic motivation – such as encouraging children with rewards or threats of punishment (the carrot or stick method), intrinsic motivation comes from within the child, making children feel happy at work.
Research on intrinsic motivation comes from neuroscience. There are about 4 neurotransmitters that influence people’s work motivation and habits. They are also the reason why people feel happy and fulfilled. When one of the following transmitters is catalyzed after an experience, the neurons associated with that experience make connections (with more myelin), making people want to repeat the experience.
1. Dopamine – satisfaction in achieving a goal, satisfying a basic need, or experiencing a new sensation. For example, when you eat, your body is supplied with sugar/energy, which causes it to release dopamine; or when completing the checklist for the day, or winning a game of chess, the body also releases dopamine.
2. Serotonin – the comfort of feeling connected and an important part of a group, respected and recognized. For example, when you go for a walk in the fresh nature or sunbathe, the body sees itself as part of nature and receives the energy from the sun, releasing serotonin. Or when you’re in a peaceful, trusting, respectful community, your body also releases serotonin.
3. Oxytoxin – the security of being around people you trust and trust others, this is also the love hormone. For example, if you are loved by your parents and family, your body will secrete oxytocin. That’s why you like being around people who love you.
4. Endorphins – pain-relieving hormone. Since pain is very important information about the limits of the body, endorphins make pain more bearable. A very good example of endorphins is the feeling of well-being after exercise or a long run.
From knowledge of neurotransmitters that play an important role to motivation, in the advanced learning environment, there are always the following factors to be self-motivated to learn:
Choices (Many subjects/learning opportunities and always a playground and a variety of sports).
Collaboration – Teachers, students and parents work together. I often use the example that every student has a seed of knowledge within them – it is your job to absorb nutrients from the environment so that the seeds can germinate – and it is the duty of parents and teachers to take care of the soil/school environment ).
Context (the reason why that knowledge is needed – or its association in the totality of human knowledge).
Challenge (Challenge – knowledge must be fresh and difficulty level slightly above current ability. In the Montessori environment, each lesson must be designed with only 1 new information/skill – called a challenge).
Intrinsic motivation comes from within, making them feel happy at work. (Illustration)
3. Secure confirmation
Secure attachment – a secure attachment to parents and the ability to regulate emotions. An important part of self-learning – the ability to connect with others and exchange information effectively – can be instilled in childhood. When parents create a secure bond with their children (always providing them with what they need when they are small and often with them when they are under 7), the amount of oxytocin in the child will regulate.
A child who grows up with an oxytocin balance clearly understands what he or she needs and wants, and is able to seek and pursue those things in a peaceful, calm, and polite manner. Children also have the confidence to build good relationships to exchange and discuss knowledge. No one can learn alone without good and good people around to help.
4. Executive functioning skills
Executive functioning – the ability to coordinate actions such as setting goals, planning and following plans, as well as coordinating emotions. Children who grow up in an environment that is organized, tidy and on a regular schedule will be better able to concentrate on work. In addition, the calmness of the parents and the positive, joyful outlook on life will influence the development of the brain, making the child calm, optimistic and able to analyze problems and not feel an emotional dominant emotion.
Before the frontal lobe (neocortex) is fully developed (around age 30), a child’s ability to think critically, focus, and regulate emotions is greatly influenced by the environment and emotions of others around, especially parents .
A child can only learn on his own if he knows how to set goals, make and follow plans, and coordinate his or her volatile emotions, and parental help as an example is essential. If parents can provide their children with a neat and orderly environment with a clear schedule and guide their children with an optimistic, joyful and curious spirit, the child will learn much better independently.
Source: CafeF
