What is Downshifting

According to Renate and Geoffrey Caine, who first coined the term, ‘downshifting’ is ‘the psychophysiological response to threat, accompanied by a sense of helplessness or fatigue.’

‘The downshifted person experiences a sense of fear or anxiety, not the excitement or challenge.’

‘Downshifting is accompanied by a feeling that you cannot access your own ability to deal with the situation.’

‘It results in an automatic shift of attention and energy away from the thinking-brain layer toward the lower brain layers, and it can do so outside of conscious awareness.’

What are some common occurrences that can downshift students in the classroom, making it more difficult for them to be fully engaged?

• Unclear expectations

• Over-reliance on testing to determine progress

• Constant change without return to basic routines

• Saying one thing and doing another

• Criticising more than praising

• Emphasising questions that have a right answer rather than the ones that promote critical thinking

It takes courage to reflect on the ways we contribute to downshifting in our students.

How might we do the opposite and increase the conditions for promoting relaxed and engaged learners?

Interested to find out more? Reach out: cathy@refreshreset.com.au