Brain Based Learning Pro and Con

Gina D. Gallaher
Fundamentals of Curriculum Development
Fall 2011
Brain Based Learning

Pros:
1. Engages the Whole Body and Mind of the Child
· The student is an active learner as opposed to a passive [sitting] learner.
· A student’s progress is based on demonstrations and portfolios of writings.
· It embraces the concept that attention follows emotion.
· Promotes creativity- this encourages individual expression.
· Music, lighting and temperature control create calming atmospheres.
2. Customizes Lesson Plans
· Every brain is different, every child learns in their own way.
· Boys benefit from being allowed to discuss responses before committing to an answer.
· Girls perform better in math with story problems; one of their strengths is language skills.
· Choice: offer multiple assessments [collage, essay, game]
3. Teaches through Practical Experiences
· Immerse students in a subject.
· Leaning through spatial memory- ability to absorb and retain a lesson
· It is OK to make mistakes
· Hands-on activities promote team work and allow students to be in charge of the learning process; teacher is facilitator.
· MORE ENGAGED – the more they learn!



Brain Based Learning
Disadvantages:
1. Lack of adequate preparation/ Professional Development
· Teacher / Administrator / Student / Parent
· Use of multiple methods/media not always available
· Students may not be receptive to extra effort to do exercises leading to deep thinking.
2. Cost
· Teaching requires resources, media and professional development.
· Smaller class size requires increased staff.
3. Lack of Support from Experts
· Scientists are not able to find a correlation between the brain and brain-based learning.
· Supports are from the education or philosophy field not neuroscience field.
· Books on brain-based learning contain ideas without studies or facts to support the learning theory.
· Too New! Began in 1990’s and the results of those who were taught using this theory are not in yet.



A few final words… As you read the advantage list, I am sure many will give the most often heard criticism…”Who has time for all this!” Don’t be a ‘Negative Nancy’…Start out small. Pick just one or two and give it a try…you might be surprised at the results. I was!