Question

It is important that trainers reassure students and reinforce positive behaviors throughout training to facilitate learning and retention while adding stress when appropriate during assessment to build the confidence needed to save a life. True or False:

Answer 1

True, reinforcing positive behavior and adding moderate stress in assessments can facilitate learning and improve retention. Positive reinforcement increases desired behaviors and appropriate stress levels can enhance memory recall and performance. Emergency workers particularly benefit from controlled stress, which aids in decision-making.

Step-by-step explanation:

It is true that trainers should encourage and reinforce positive behavior during learning to enhance retention. The concept of positive reinforcement suggests that adding a desirable stimulus, such as praise, can increase the likelihood of a behavior being repeated. On the other hand, adding stress during assessment can be beneficial as well. Moderately elevated stress levels, or eustress, can enhance performance and memory recall, according to research. Hupbach & Fieman's study in 2012 demonstrated that moderate stress boosts both immediate and delayed retrieval of educational content. However, it is important to manage and reflect on the source of emotions with metacognition tools, especially when emotions are strong.

Furthermore, appropriate levels of stress can motivate individuals to perform at their best in various scenarios. For example, stress before an exam can lead to more effective studying, and at work, it can lead to improved performance. While stress typically carries a negative connotation, it is not inherently detrimental. In certain situations, it helps build resilience and confidence, critical qualities for emergency workers who routinely face stressful situations, enabling fast and efficient decision-making processes.