Both learners and teachers could benefit from knowing the types of emotions that are most often present in learning; the former, to be able to tame and then manage them; and the latter, to develop adapted approaches, but also to recognize them in learners and intervene with tact.
Here are the 4 main types of emotions that have a significant impact on learning:
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Achievement Emotions
They are linked to activities that have a goal as well as to the success or failure of these activities. Examples: having fun learning, being afraid of failure, hoping to succeed, etc.
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Epistemic emotions
They are triggered by cognitive problems. Examples: being surprised, motivated or perplexed about a proposed exercise, being satisfied after successfully solving a challenge, etc.
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Thematic Emotions
Whether positive or negative, these are related to a specific topic of study. Examples: having an aversion to mathematics, getting excited discussing politics, etc.
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Social emotions
Positive or negative, they take root in the interrelations that the learner has with the teacher as well as with his peers. Examples: appreciation, admiration, expectations, social anxiety, envy, etc.
