Monday, April 12, 2010

Brain Based Learning by Jamie M. Tieman

Brain based education is learning in accordance with the way the brain is naturally designed to learn . It is also often seen as a multi-disciplinary approach that is built around the question of “what is good for the brain?” This answer can be drawn from many different factors, such as chemistry, biology, genetics, etc. It also prompts one to think about learning as it does not follow a prescribed recipe for learning. While there is no precise format for brain based learning, it is essential to understand how each “human engine” runs to maximize student learning. This realization alone has sparked multiple concepts and ways of redesigning learning.

It is often believed that everyone is capable of learning and that statement is found to be true, because indeed everyone does learn. Each individual is born with a brain that functions as a powerful processor. However, some of our most recent models of traditional schooling often inhibit learning, by discouraging, ignoring or punishing the brain’s natural learning processes. It must be understood that the brain is a powerful parallel processor, meaning that it is capable of performing several activities at once, like smelling and tasting. Learning should also strive to engage the whole physiology in order to be effective brain based learning. The brain also processes wholes and parts simultaneously, and effective brain based learning is based on conscious and unconscious processes, as well as having focused attention and peripheral perception. Humans also tend to understand best when their learning is enhanced by challenge, and inhibited by threat.

Past instructional methods were simply based on what was measurable and tangible, while recent research states that the brain is poorly designed for formal instruction and that it develops best through selection and survival. What does this mean for our classroom instruction? It simply means that we must recognize that humans are creative and emotional. A brain based approach to classroom engagement would be to greet all students with a smile each morning, increase social connectedness, and boost student involvement in activities such as theatre, martial arts and dancing. According to Renate and Geoffrey Caine (1994) there are three recent instructional techniques tied to brain based learning, which are:
- Orchestrated Immersion – this means that learning environments are created that completely immerse the student in an educational experience
- Relaxed Alertness – fear is eliminated from learners, while maintaining a highly challenging environment
- Active processing – this allows the learner to internalize and consolidate material by actively processing it

How the brain works has a very significant impact on what specific learning activities will be effective. Teachers and instructors need to help students have appropriate experiences and capitalize on those experiences. Teachers should strive to immerse learners in interactive learning experiences that are rich, real and meaningful to the students. In that aspect, it allows the student to have a personally meaningful challenge in learning. These challenges will help to stimulate a student’s mind to the designed level of alertness. In order for students to gain insight about a problem, they must have an intensive and unique approach to dealing with that specific issue, in other words, knowing how to approach the problem before solving it. Educators must understand that because every brain is unique, learners should have customized learning experiences.

As a teacher, I am in full agreement with brain based research, because there is not a “one size fits all” philosophy that I feel adequately addresses the needs of our students. It is important to present meaningful learning experiences and a productive learning environment for your students. After all, children learn best and are interested in learning when it is of interest to them. In order to reach the needs of our students who are academically disadvantaged, it is important to create an environment where each student is given the chance to succeed. Brain based learning fully agrees with this in that it allows educators to understand how a child’s brain functions and then asks them to plan for instruction accordingly.

I think it is essential for all educators to be open and mindful of the principles of brain based learning. It allows teachers to possess the use of their educational tools in a creative way to way to establish brain based environments. It also allows educators to once again visit their own personal roles as a student and realize that some of the most meaningful instruction was not discussed in a lecture, but rather when they were engaged in realistic events that allowed them to try and experience new ideas and concepts safely.

Sources:
Caine, Renate and Geoffrey. (1994) Making connections: teaching and the human brain. Dale Seymour Publications: Upper Saddle River, New Jersey.

Jensen, Eric. (2008) Brain based learning: the new paradigm for teaching. Corwin Press: Thousand Oaks, California.

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