I have been doing a lot of reading and studying about the brain lately. Neuroscientists continue to unveil its mysteries while providing the hard scientific data of how the brain functions. Other scientific disciplines apply this knowledge in an effort to keep us and hopefully the planet healthy. Our work is cut out for us and the stakes have never been higher.
There are few areas more important for the application of neuroscience than learning. According to the research, when we move toward education we are literally shaping the brains of learners. We set up contexts for brains to acquire information and integrate it into existing patterns of knowledge contained in our grey matter. How to facilitate this energy flow of knowledge and understanding is the question we should be asking ourselves when we enter a classroom or any other learning environment.
From my point of view, the brain has evolved over millions of years to serve three functions: to keep us safe, to solve problems, and to connect. Developing our skills in these areas increases our chances for living a fulfilling life. On a more basic level they are necessary conditions for any kind of adaptive learning to take place. When learners are safe and feel safe they are available for learning. They can then go on and problem-solve (learning tasks/challenges) and connect with the people and the world around them.
Here is where the Matrix comes in. When we use the Matrix with learners we are inviting them into a nonjudgmental, accepting process of noticing what is important to them. Engaging them in this way feels safe and when it is done in a group it promotes safety between individuals. Having them notice what they are doing in the moment and what is going on both inside and outside of themselves promotes reflection and leads to choosing behaviors that work. This then is the basis for effective problem solving. While all of this is going on they become more connected (and less stuck) in relationship to their internal and external experiences. Repeated Matrix experiences lead to continuous improvement and refinement of these three brain functions. The bonus is that once learners internalize the Matrix process they carry it with them and can do it on their own as they go out into the world.
If you haven’t already done so check out my “Matrix on the Fly” post and “Setting up the Matrix Point of View” for tips on how to get started.
