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Research conducted during the past six years by Dr Voldis Kudliskis, of Teignmouth, for Exeter University indicates that sixth form students can benefit from aspects of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) when studying at A level. His research involved Psychology students but there are clear benefits for all subjects.

NLP helps learners to better understand the way they think, feel and experience the world. It helps them to take greater control of their education, their life and their happiness. The techniques help individuals consider why their self belief has limits and that these limits can be overcome. It helps them with concepts such as goal-setting and visualisation to combat negative feelings about their learning.

One specific technique involved students visualising the examination room many weeks before their examination. This visualisation technique was used on a number of occasions during lessons and students indicated that they began to feel more at ease about the examination environment. On examination day students who had used NLP commented, after their exam, that they felt more confident upon entering the examination room and during the actual examination. Students felt that this specific technique improved their approach and overall performance in the exam.

The way in which NLP ideas were used suggests real potential for improving the learning of young people. One student at South Dartmoor Community College states: “I think NLP didn’t just influence my learning in school, it helped in other situations. I’ve become more positive. I will definitely continue to use NLP.” Another explained: “I did find NLP really interesting; it gave me loads of different techniques that I could use to change my personality and my attitude to learning. NLP has helped as I have changed in myself and become the person whom I like now.”

Professor Bob Burden, Emeritus Professor of Applied Educational Psychology from the University of Exeter states “ In seeking to evaluate the usefulness of the techniques provided by Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Voldis Kudliskis has gone way beyond applying the rhetoric of what seems like good ideas to obtaining real evidence of 'what works’. In doing so, he has provided a springboard for further research in this area as well as offering helpful advice to many teachers of underachieving students.

NLP has a substantial following in the United States of America, particularly in the business arena. Its potential is being recognised here in the United Kingdom and has been demonstrated in a variety of other areas. Paul McKenna, British television personality, has devoted considerable energy to the production of self-improvement programmes grounded in NLP philosophy. Dr Kudliskis believes specific aspects of NLP can be tailored to better meet the personalised learning needs of every individual student.

Published August 19, 2008