Professional Self-Development

• Subliminal language, i.e., Subtle communication through channels that we usually are unaware of


• Persuading though patterns of thought, i.e., Motivating folks to do what you want them to do by avoiding reactions to your message by

NLP strategies launch "absent minded responses," automated thinking, or the "habits" that we are unaware of.

So, NLP uses a communication process that bypasses conscious awareness and impacts the Unconscious Thought directly. This is called "hypnotic communication".

NLP is scientific, repeatable, testable, not "hocus pocus" stage-show magic. It is not a "deep trance" or an "altered states of consciousness."

Rather, these are processes that we engage in all the time, similar to day dreaming, similar to remembering, similar to imagining.

So, teachers that use NLP simply direct their students to natural thoughts and behaviors.

Sidebar

We are affected by NLP all the time because advertisers, politicians, coaches, counselors, clergy, charismatic orators, sales people, and master teachers move us to action and motivate us to "do it now." These folks use our own patterns of unconscious thought to persuade, sway, guide, redirect, focus, target our decision-making processes in ways that they want.

Of course, master teachers use the NLP techniques only for the good of their students.

We cannot generalize the same altruism for all users of the technique.

Is Teacher Use of NLP Ethical?

Teachers seldom teach a class in "fire walking" or conduct motivational seminars for business people, so why would they use NLP?

And if teachers had a reason for using NLP, would doing so be ethical?

Of course, we could ask the reverse question, "Is failure to motivate students sufficiently so that students learn to the best of their ability ethical?"

Some folks think that NLP is a kind of "mind control." And, some slick (and rich) marketers have lead people (especially salespeople) to believe this myth so that they could sell seminar tickets at a hefty price. Other people think that NLP is "un-democratic," and the kind of tactics used to brainwash suicide bombers.

None of this is true.

But any tool or technique can be misused, or used for less than ethical purposes.

For example, some folks claim that they use NLP to "Pick up Women".

But, just as explosives can be used to clear roadbeds, quarry stone such marble or granite, raze dangerous and obsolete buildings, or set off avalanches in a safe way; explosives also can be used to kill tourists, embassy staff, police recruits and wedding guests.

The purpose that the tool is used for determines the ethics. And, many psychologists, therapists, hypnotherapists, pastoral counselors, clergy and master teaches use the principles of NLP in their daily work. Some of these professionals were trained in NLP and understand what they are doing. Others professionals learned the communication patterns by modeling their mentors, and others just happened upon the communication strategies, and integrated them into their behavior repertoire because they found them to produce positive results for their clients, congregation members or trainees.

Practical Applications

The reason that teachers might wish to learn to apply some basic NLP techniques is that teachers might want to sensitize themselves to subtle levels of student and colleague communication.

NLP offers many strategies for improving teachers'…

• Communication


• Perception


• Listening and relating skills


• Rapport with students and colleagues


• Self-confidence


• Self-control


• Creativity


• Intuition

If these possibilities feel right, look good, sound great; perhaps you could investigate NLP further, finding just the most comfortable ways that are suited for you, and best for you, as much as you might wish.

Classroom Toolkit and Neuro-Linguistic Programming

If readers of Classroom Toolkit express an interest, in learning more about NLP principles, then we will devote many future articles to the the topic.

In fact, we reserved a domain name just in case you want more information on applying NLP in your classroom.

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