Learning That CLICS

CHAPTER 7

Applying Social Connections

In the popular Harry Potter book series, Harry and his friends had to learn a defensive spell to ward off evil or harmful spirits. The Patronus spell required a wizard to conjure their most fond and positive memory, which was powerful enough to fight off the dark force. For most people, that spell would involve fond and positive memories of other people. Because we are inherently social beings, connecting to and through others is not only the best way to enhance our learning, but also the most natural way.

Social connections refer to the interpersonal support structure (physical, emotional, and psychological) that enables learning to be most effective. Our brains are wired to make social connections, and ...