Neuro-Linguistic Programming, or NLP as it is more commonly called, is a method of creating more positive behaviour and thought patterns, through the manipulation of language structure. It works under the assumption that neural processes, behaviour, and language are all linked, and so the manipulation of one can have lasting affects in the other. The techniques for doing this have been applied far and wide, from sales, to therapy. This article looks at what ways it can help in teaching.
There has been a lot of controversy surrounding NLP over the years, mainly due to an unfortunate few who have used it as a money making scheme, and due to the fact that there is no constraints on the literature, analogous to peer review in academia. Some of the presuppositions taken in all forms of NLP, however, are so harmless, and so obvious, that adopting them will not commit you to some of the more controversial claims of the science, but may be helpful in certain areas. Teaching young children, for example, can be helped by holding some of these presuppositions.
An example of such a presupposition is just the thought that all behaviour, no matter how malicious it may seem, stems from a positive intention. In the classroom, then, if a child is misbehaving, or even being horrible towards other students, imagine the positive intentions, misplaced and misunderstood, that might leave to such behaviour.
If a child misbehaves, and their behaviour is attributed to a negative intention, then an extremely unhelpful series of events can be put into play. For example, if a child is labelled as 'bad' or 'selfish', or any other character trait term that says something regarding their negative intentions, then they can begin to define themselves with this label, and a self fulfilling prophecy can begin. In future situations, the child may inspire themselves to act in certain ways, by asking, for example, what a selfish person would do.
Identifying, and acknowledging a positive intention, however, will overcome any defensiveness on behalf of the child. You will be seen as an ally, and from there you can help to find a more positive outlet for whatever intention you believe lies behind their behaviour.
There has been a lot of controversy surrounding NLP over the years, mainly due to an unfortunate few who have used it as a money making scheme, and due to the fact that there is no constraints on the literature, analogous to peer review in academia. Some of the presuppositions taken in all forms of NLP, however, are so harmless, and so obvious, that adopting them will not commit you to some of the more controversial claims of the science, but may be helpful in certain areas. Teaching young children, for example, can be helped by holding some of these presuppositions.
An example of such a presupposition is just the thought that all behaviour, no matter how malicious it may seem, stems from a positive intention. In the classroom, then, if a child is misbehaving, or even being horrible towards other students, imagine the positive intentions, misplaced and misunderstood, that might leave to such behaviour.
If a child misbehaves, and their behaviour is attributed to a negative intention, then an extremely unhelpful series of events can be put into play. For example, if a child is labelled as 'bad' or 'selfish', or any other character trait term that says something regarding their negative intentions, then they can begin to define themselves with this label, and a self fulfilling prophecy can begin. In future situations, the child may inspire themselves to act in certain ways, by asking, for example, what a selfish person would do.
Identifying, and acknowledging a positive intention, however, will overcome any defensiveness on behalf of the child. You will be seen as an ally, and from there you can help to find a more positive outlet for whatever intention you believe lies behind their behaviour.
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