In recent years I have found a focus on nervous systems extremely useful for helping us navigate our trauma responses and those of others. This approach supports more effective learning and teaching in the presence or aftermath of violence.
I explained why I think understanding nervous systems is so important in education to staff of the Metro Toronto Movement for Literacy. This 30-minute podcast gives an introduction to my belief that educators must pay attention to how the nervous system affects learning and teaching.
I have been working with Susan Tiihonen to create a series of 1-minute animations to spark more reflection about our nervous system – the autonomic part of it that attempts always to keep us alive. I believe this could make a difference not just to us individually, and to our capacity to learn and change, but also to this troubled, so terribly violent world.
I want to make sure all students understand their own nervous systems, so that they can learn to navigate their reactions and learn with more ease. I gave a 45-minute presentation to adult literacy and upgrading students.
