Man is considered a unique biological species on the planet, the only one with a high type of thinking. But it will be unwise to deny our animal nature. No matter how developed beings humans are, it is important to remember that our thinking and behavior obeys the same general rules as animals.
One of the most important properties of multicellular living organisms, including humans, is the presence of reflexes. By definition, these are some stereotypical manifestations that arise in the form of a reaction to external influences and occurring with the participation of the nervous system. Distinguish between conditioned and unconditioned reflexes.
The origin and definition of the term
The concept of reflex was first applied in the seventeenth century, but it acquired its true meaning much later. Two Russian scientists are directly related to the widespread use of this term: the founder of the science of physiology I.M.Sechenov and I.P. Pavlov. The latter is known for its experimental approach, which at one time gave scientists a lot of useful and reliable information. Pavlov was able to significantly expand the ideas of his predecessor about the principles of action of the nervous system of animals. He introduced the concept of two types of reflexes. Also, C. S. Sherrington, awarded the Nobel Prize, later made a considerable contribution to this doctrine.
All congenital reactions of the body were assigned to the unconditioned type of reflexes. Their main significance is the preservation and maintenance of life. Such reflexes do not require special conditions for occurrence and are inherent in all representatives of a particular species equally. The simplest example is the production of saliva at the sight of food. Various instincts can be considered a more complex manifestation, for example, the self-preservation instinct inherent in all higher animals .
Conditioned reflexes are acquired with experience throughout life. They are also based on the basis of innate reactions, but are individual in nature. The occurrence of a developed reflex in a particular individual is crucial environmental conditions. The basis for the occurrence of such a reflex is the correlation of biological reactions of the body with external stimuli. So, an animal can associate food intake with a light coming on if such a pattern is repeated many times. Subsequently, his reaction to a lighted bulb will be similar to the reaction that occurs when a person sees a meal.
Reflection
A concept similar to the word “reflex” actually has little in common with it. Reflection is rather a psychological term. The origin of the word is associated with the Latin language, in translation it means "turning back." According to the simplified definition of modern psychology, reflection is introspection, a thoughtful rethinking of the information received and one's condition.
This term is widely used in pedagogy, as it allows you to increase the effectiveness of training due to better knowledge acquisition. It is noted that the information is much deeper imprinted in the child’s mind if you give him time to think about the training material, and not just read and take note.
Reflection in the lesson and at the end of it
At present, reflection is an indispensable psychological technique used in conjunction with the supply of educational material. Depending on the goals, it can be carried out both at the beginning and at the end of the lesson.
For example, emotional reflection helps create the right mood for children and tune them into a working atmosphere. Therefore, it is better to conduct it before the start of the educational process. As tools here, cards, music, pictures or video images are used - everything that affects the sphere of feelings. In addition, emotional reflection is one of the best ways to establish emotional contact with the class.
The reflection at the end of the lesson serves to consolidate the material received. As a rule, the teacher offers the children to analyze the time spent, their activity and the benefits of knowledge, after which they ask for a general assessment of the lesson that has come to an end. It is important that children in a positive form indicate valuable moments for them: what they learned, what surprised or inspired them, what discovery was the most interesting, what happened.