The Brain and Conflict

The pre-frontal cortex (the area found right behind your forehead) is the place where cognition (thinking),  learning, consequences, insights and the like happen. Deep inside the center of the brain, directly above the brain stem is the amygdala. It looks like two little almonds; amygdala is the Latin word for almond.  It is responsible for the flight/fight/freeze response. When we become anxious nervous, frightened, or intimidated this response kicks in. It is a survival mechanism. It actually pumps more blood to our lungs and limbs so we are able to physically flee from danger. However, when this response kicks in our PFC is not working at full efficiency, so we are typically not thinking clearly.

Have you ever had a disagreement with a friend or family member, and felt the frustration of coming up with the perfect comeback about two or three minutes after you had already left the confrontational situation? This is a prime example of how the PFC kicks in when the amygdala settles. As you walk away from the confrontation you start to relax, your blood pressure lowers, you start breathing regularly (we often hold our breath when we experience confict), and as the calming down process kicks in, your amygdala settles down, your pre-frontal cortex starts working efficiently, and as it processes the scenario, it lands on the perfect comeback.

This same situation is happening if you have ever experienced test-anxiety.  You have prepared for the exam, you have faithfully studied and put your time in. But as test time nears, you heart starts to race, your palms become sweaty, your amygdala fires up and the actual part of your brain that you think with is not working optimally.

When we experience stressful situations we must have a protocol to help us remain calm. Emergency room workers, EMT’s, police officers, firemen, all have a protocol they follow when they are in the midst of a stressful situation. Step one is ________, then I check for this _______, etc.  As educators, we need to understand and have a plan for conflict or stressful situations. Then when our brains are not working optimally, we have steps we go through and we don’t need to make important decisions at a time when our brain is not functioning at it’s best.  

This is also why it is important to develop a safe, respectful culture in your classroom. If a teacher runs her class through intimidation, students are on edge, and they are not able to use their PFC at full capacity. If students are allowed to make degrading comments to other students, then some students will be on defense and will be more concerned with how their comments will be taken, rather than doing all they can to ensure they understand and learn the material. 

Be certain you have a plan in place for conflict. Then you can remain calm, cool, and collected when situations flare up - and you will remain the professional.