Brain based Learning
What is Brain Based Learning
Brain based learning is all about identifying and honouring each and every student's learning process. As long as there aren't any underlying problems with the brain learning can and will occur.
12 Brain/Mind Principles
- The brain is a complex adaptive system.
- The brain is a social brain.
- The search for meaning is innate.
- The search for meaning occurs through patterning.
- Emotions are critical to patterning.
- Every brain simultaneously perceives and creates parts and wholes.
- Learning involves both focused attention and peripheral attention.
- Learning always involves conscious and unconscious processes.
- We have at least two ways of organizing memory.
- Learning is developmental.
- Complex learning is enhanced by challenge and inhibited by threat.
- Every brain is uniquely organized. (Caine and Caine 1997)
http://brainconnection.brainhq.com/2004/03/26/what-is-brain-based-learning/
What does this mean to YOU as an educator?
There are many things you can do as an educators:
- Creating student interest profiles to ensure you are providing engaging topics of interest
- Using real life naturally occurring problems in the students everyday lives and relating them to curriculum
- Encourage your students to learn outside of the classroom and school and bring their findings back to the group
- Have students monitor their own learning process (Goal setting and monitoring)
What might the classroom environment look like?
- Safe and non-threatening environment
- Rich and stimulating environment created WITH your students
- Small group learning and exploring spaces are available
- Resources and manipulative center are readily available at all times
- Value is placed on the importance of community both at school and home
- Students will be engaged in actively questioning and discussing because the results will be of interest to them