One of the best ways I have found to improve learning capabilities is through hypnosis. That’s right! Hypnosis is not only for overcoming phobias or negative habits. It can also be used to make all kinds of positive changes. Extensive studies have shown that hypnosis can improve memory, enhance concentration, boost creativity, increase confidence, stop procrastination, increase positive thinking, boost motivation, eliminate exam stress,and more. I have used it to speed up language learning, and to enhance sports performance, among other things.
75% of the population is hypnotizable, and it has a 90% success rate (JHU, 2006). Hypnosis is not magical, nor do you go to sleep. Hypnosis is simply a trance state in which the Mind becomes compliant to suggestions. Some people are more skilled at going into trance than others, but the ability increases the more it is used.
Customarily, people go to certified hypnotists or hypnotherapists for in-person, guided sessions. However, now hypnosis is available online. I have found some websites that offer hypnosis via MP3 files, videos or software programs, either for free or at very reasonable prices. Here are a few I would recommend:
(1) The Free Hypnosis Treatment site offers free downloadable MP3s in 30 categories, including Improved Concentration, Total Motivation, Hypnotic Memory, Universal Energy, Happiness, and more. There is a “Donation” button on the top left, to help keep the site running. It is not required, but it would be the nice thing to do, considering the quality of the audios. You can find it here: http://www.freehypnosistreatment.com/hypnosistreatment.html
(2) YouTube has a wide array of free hypnosis videos. This is an effective one for memory enhancement. Once you are on the page, you will see many more listed on the right side of the screen: “Improve your Memory” (2013). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zodyYq6t40Q
(3) A low-cost site is Hypnosis MP3s by Hypnobusters (2013). It offers over 100 downloadable MP3s for only $10 each. You can get them from http://www.hypnobusters.com/downloads/hypnosis-mp3s/hypnosis-mp3s-by-hypnobusters/
(4) You can download an excellent, customizable software program called “Virtual Hypnotist” here: Freeware Files (2013). Retrieved from
http://www.freewarefiles.com/Virtual-Hypnotist_program_13701.html
Mac Users can download the same program from Softonic (2013). Retrieved from http://virtual-hypnotist.en.softonic.com/
(5) One last program that you can try is called Get Hypnotized (2013). It took a long time to load for me, but you might have better luck. Retrieved from http://www.gethypnotized.com/
I think hypnosis has great educational potential. I would assign one of the Improve Memory MP3s as an experiment with my language classes. As a game, in a pretest and post-test, I would first have the class try to memorize a page of vocabulary without hypnosis, and then with hypnosis. Then we could compare which attempt was more successful. We could do this in class on mobile devices. Also, I would assign hypno-videos to improve not only their memory, but also their listening comprehension skills.
What do you think? Reviews welcomed! If you try any of these programs, let me know which one you tried, and if you got positive results.
Reference
Johns Hopkins University (JHU) (2006). Hypnosis practices gain credibility. http://media.www.jhunewsletter.com/media/storage/paper932/news/2006/03/31/Science/Hypnosis.Practices.Gain.Credibility-2242015.shtml
I am so amazed at the type of interactive sites available. I would have thought hypnosis could only be done in person. I guess you learn something new everyday.
ReplyDeleteThere is a relaxation site that can also be used to aid learning indirectly. It can calm and focus the Mind if played in the background while you are studying or writing, you can repeat positive affirmations, or you can use it to simply take a break and meditate. It is at http://www.calm.com
DeleteYou can set the timer for the session for 2, 5, 10, 15, or 20 minutes on the left panel. If you want a longer session, click on the loop symbol at the bottom of the screen, and it will do 1 or more repetitions. To choose the scenery, click on the back or forward arrows at the bottom. You can also choose music and sound effects only (like rain), or music + a voice guiding your relaxation, also by clicking on the symbols at the bottom.
You can also download this app to your smartphone.
Enjoy!
Thank you for your research and suggestions. I have never been much of a believer in hypnosis, mostly because of the way it has been characterized in movies and other such media. However, it sounds like a good tool to improve memory and retention. This would be a valuable resource for educators. I might suggest it to learners who came to me struggling with remembering concepts and facts. Your YouTube suggestion is also a good reminder. I never really thought about it as a resource for hypnosis. There are several sites that might be helpful in debunking the many myths surrounding hypnosis. Perhaps I should check them out...
ReplyDeleteThis is really amazing stuff to me! Could you please share with me how you used this to enhance language learning? This would be a great skill for a language teacher to have. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI first give the class a pre-test, post-test to verify to effects: First, I put 20 small items on a desk and give them 20 seconds to memorize all the items. Then I have them write down as many of them as they can recall. Next, I give them a quick induction using a breathing-and-pulse counting technique. Then, while they are in a light trance a state, I have them again try to memorize 20 items (half are different ones), and write down as many as they remember. The number typically doubles, and some students can recall all of them. Next, I apply this technique to a vocabulary list. It works every time.
DeleteHowever, I am careful not refer to this as a hypnosis exercise, but simply as a relaxation-and-concentration game. This is because many people have the misconception that hypnosis is a type of magic.
Once students learn the breath/pulse technique, they can use it by themselves (self-hypnosis) to go into a trance state, and do memorization practice.