Neuro-linguistic programming in the learning field

What is neuro-linguistic programming?

The concept of NLP was developed back in 1970 by Richard Bandler and John Grinder, who analysed the connection between neurological processes, language and the behavioral attitudes learned through experience, claiming that this connection can be used to achieve specific outcomes in life. In other words, the theory suggests that behaviour and language can be modeled to achieve successful skills.

Also, according to the presuppositions on which the concept is based, people only have access to their own perceptions of reality, not to the reality per se, which influences their understanding of the world. Put differently, as Mike Bundrant says, “​​NLP subscribes to the age-old principle that we don't see the world as it is, but as we are.”

How can NLP be used in the learning field?

As previously mentioned, neuro-linguistic programming is used in the field of personal development and self motivation, which has the potential to turn the concept and its techniques into a valuable asset for the learning field. According to a paper submitted at the European Conference on Educational Research, the parallels between neuro-linguistic programming and teaching are the following: 

• Communication influences learning, which means that the teacher/trainer’s language and behaviour influence the way in which trainees understand a specific topic and, more importantly, their beliefs about the world and about learning.
• The teacher/trainer’s awareness of the topic is important in the process of making learning effective. 
• “​​In a dynamic teacher-learner relationship, meaning is achieved through mutual feedback.”

Also, according to the study What can NLP techniques do for eLearning?, neuro-linguistic programming can be used as a keyword extractor, with the purpose of metadata generation, aiming at “automatically identifying a set of terms in a document that best describes its content”. In eLearning, this function facilitates the knowledge graphs, which empowers learners to find any topic they want by a simple search, turning mere information into knowledge that is actually valuable to the learners, who can further turn it into skills.