Part of an educational degree is the requirement of completing a course on educational psychology. This knowledge is necessary to understand brain development for teaching and learning purposes. I loved it, so I went on to take many more classes and earned a minor in psychology, continuing to study and learn about cognitive development and how the brain works all these years later. I think and act with the belief that if I understand the brain better, I can support teachers and families in their understanding of our students, which not only can increase in learning but also helps student in being more resilient.
The brain is hardwired for negativity. This negativity bias is thought to be an evolutionary adaptation to help us remember potential dangers and prioritize survival. A quick educational example of this is comes from when I presented at the AVID National Conference. I do not recall the actual number of participants -- and it certainly was not about survival -- but while not dangerous, my brain was active, prepared as if it was going to be. So let me say that the session had 100 people, and I sent out 100 surveys on how well it went. Of the 100, 99 of them gave positive feedback, and one of them said something slightly critical. Even ten years later, I will remember that slightly critical thing. This is my brain with negativity bias, and I cannot think of a time this hardwiring has been helpful.
The bias does not allow for curiosity, patience, or collaboration. Rarely does it allow for one to pause and look for any bright spots or seek out strengths in challenging situations. I have this bias, and so do you. Everyone does, so when my negative brain comes in contact with another negative brain, two negatives do not make a positive. So recognizing this has got to be our first action. We need to start systematically and intentionally reprogramming our brains.
The Secret Garden was published in 1911: “Thoughts – just mere thoughts – are as powerful as electric batteries – as good for one as sunlight is, or as bad for one as poison. To let a sad thought or a bad one get into your mind is as dangerous as letting a scarlet fever germ get into your body. If you let it stay there after it has gotten in you may never get over it as long as you live.” We have known of the brain’s power for over a century. Now more than ever it appears that the necessary systematic and intentional reprogramming to undo the bias is not happening but rather it is being reinforced. The brain is going to "go negative," then with negative responses, this cycle supports and breeds more negativity. Don't we want the brain to be wrong at times like this?
I believe few individuals find satisfaction in negativity, and no one likes to be put into a position of defending or suffering, whether that stems from others' or one’s own thoughts. It is Suicide Prevention Month, and the latest facts only show an upward trend, especially for teenagers and young adults. So in this educational setting, I ask you to join me in working on reprogramming SMS's collective "brain" (systems). Let us create a culture of curiosity instead of accusation, a place of patience -- because learning and growing take time -- that has an environment of collaboration and kindness because everyone can use a helping hand. An advocate does more good than a situation with an adversary. If we all are aware of this negativity bias, our thoughts and actions can lead to celebration and successes, and when the times come to take on the challenges of middle school, we can stand side-by-side in support.
Weeks at a Glance
- Wednesday, September 18: Academic Eligibility Warnings for Student-athletes
- Monday, September 30 - Friday, October 4: Homecoming Week
- Monday, September 30: Teacher Professional Development - No School
- Tuesday, October 1: You're Not Alone Program beings - 7/8 campus
- Wednesday, October 2: Academic Eligibility Suspensions for Student-athletes
- Friday, October 4: Homecoming Pepfest