Research by Vermeulen et al. shows that the brain responds to facial expressions denoting fear and disgust quite differently. Expressions denoting fear heighten our sensory input and increase our attention to the material immediately following the stimuls, whilst a face denoting disgust throttles our sensory input and attention.

What does this mean for adult learning? Using imagery and soundscapes it would be relatively simple to stimulate fear in learners, fear of job loss, fear of poor health and so on, then follow it up with critical information to prevent these fears being realised. As an eLearning consultant, I’ve used this technique quite often, for example using disturbing case studies as an extrinsic motivator, but never with the intent of generating fear.

What about the ethical dimensions this approach? Do the ends justify the fear? Is a good scare what learners need?

I’m developing a list of learning principles that I belive have some basis in fact and represent a statement of what I believe in and try to apply to my work as an eLearning and blended learning consultant. I’ve only got a couple so far, but will post a full list on my website once they are done.

People like patterns – Learning with a logical structure, anchored with mnemonics, colour coding, repetition and other patterning devices reduces the threat to learners, making it more predictable and controllable. It also promotes recall of specific and related information.

People like difficult, but achievable tasks – Learning using multiple factors, generating subtle permutations and multiple right answers increase brain engagement and promotes the assignment of ‘meaning’ to information.

Emotions and mild stress bathe neurons in brain chemicals as they are firing, strengthening a memory’s importance in the brain – Learning activities should stimulate emotion through real life examples, exploration of consequences, use of emotional narrative and sensory engagement through music, understated sound effects, time limits, debate and so on.