The threat that is imposed on students causes learning to be impaired. Neurological research not only shows that our hearts beat irregularly and chemicals become imbalanced when threatened, but our brain's ability for higher order thinking skills and memory becomes affected. Our bodies and brains are built for fight or flight survival techniques. When students exercise either option, it results in adverse situations. Teachers must take that threat out of the classroom in order to create and maintain productive classroom environments.
Many educators add negative stress in the classroom which harms the entire learning process.
A low level of stress promotes adrenaline flow and may be harmless. Unfortunately, I have seen students being ridiculed on a daily basis. Many of our students are already faced with threatening environments at home or in their community. Educators cannot control what goes on after school hours. We CAN make a difference for these students each and every day by providing an understanding, yet challenging environment in the classroom.