1. The "critical" or "conscious" mind: This is the part of our brain that analyzes, judges, and questions. When we're consciously trying to learn something, the critical mind can get in the way, making us tense, anxious, and less receptive to new information.
2. Inhibition: This refers to our tendency to hold back, be self-conscious, and fear making mistakes. Inhibition can prevent us from fully engaging with the learning process and exploring new ideas.
3. Negative self-talk: This is the inner voice that tells us we can't do it, that we're not good enough, or that we're going to fail. Negative self-talk can undermine our confidence and motivation, leading to a lack of effort and ultimately, failure.
Lozanov believed that by creating a relaxed and positive learning environment, using techniques like music, art, and visualization, we can bypass these psychological barriers and access a deeper level of learning.