User:Anwar1429/sandbox

Brain-based learning also called Brain-based education is the techniques and methods borrowed from research and cognitive sciences to enhance teacher’s instruction and student’s ability to learn. These strategies encourage learning by creating an environment that takes advantage of the way a brain works. Learning has become so complicated which raise the need for more efficient ways. In the course of learning, students experience various changes due to emotional, social, and cognitive factors. Brain-based learning tends to have lesson designs and techniques that adapt to these changes and are founded on scientific studies on the brain. Understanding how the brain works allows teachers and program developers to create curricula and learning environments that give students a better chance of success in learning. Brain-Based Learning is thought to have a positive effect on academic achievement and retention of knowledge

Aims & Goals of Brain-Based Learning

The theory of brain-based learning aims for several goals to optimize the learning process. For example:

• Bridging the gap between neuroscience & educational practice
• Looking for practical and unique ways of teaching
• Best use of resources
• Save the learner/teacher time and energy
• Accelerate the learning process
• Effective learning
• Teaching can be standardized without setting limits for creativity

Rationale for Brain-Based Learning

In the course of learning, students experience various changes due to emotional, social, and cognitive factors. Brain-based learning tends to have lesson designs and techniques that adapt to these changes and are founded on scientific studies on the brain. Researchers have raised significant benefits resulting from the use of brain-based learning and teaching . First of all, such practices involve employing project-based learning. As a result, the students improve their executive function skills, such as critical thinking, brainstorming solutions, and setting goals. Consequently, this learning experience solves a real-world problem. Therefore, students are more likely to memorize a lot of information in this way comparing when they think about some hypothetical situations.

Also, the brain-based learning reinforces the brain plasticity. The mind is not a static organ. Quite the contrary, it changes with experience. With a constant activity use, the brain becomes stronger . For example, students who continuously memorize facts using the brain-based learning enhance their memory pathways. Brain-based learning provides students with opportunities to analyze and solve an impending problem. Consequently, learners become more adept at critical thinking

In addition, brain-based learning ensures efficient use of time and provides a platform for reflecting on the educational experience. It presents the opportunity for students to deliberate on schooling activities . As a result, a learner’s memory consolidation is improved. Also, brain-based learning saves time for both the teacher and the learner. Brain-based learning maximizes the educational experience by ensuring optimal concentration within a short period . As a consequence, it is critical that the teacher employs appropriate pedagogy programs to save time and give the student a time to reflect.

Recent brain research challenged old believes

Some believes about how brain learns were largely accepted before, but recent brain research shows some of them are not true. One of those believes is that brain has limited ability and its intelligence is fixed. Based on that, intelligence cannot be changed or improved throughout a person's life. Luckily recent brain research clearly show that brain is actually physically changing while learning new things and with practicing new skills. This is due to brain plasticity when synapses and connections in brain become stronger with activity and use. Also there are strong evidence that a brain re-wires itself when challenged.

Ideal Class based on Brain Research

Content and Curriculum

Understanding how the brain works allows teachers and program developers to create curricula and learning environments that give students a better chance of success in learning. An ideal class utilizes different ways in which various components of the body and the brain engage in the learning process. It assures full engagement of a student in the educational experience. Here are some examples of brain-based learning strategies that can be used in class :

• Ensuring pre-exposure to the content before class.
• Giving sufficient time for learning instead of just covering as much as of the content
• Providing frequent feedback. A study show that making mistakes of itself can be rewarding if given the opportunity to learn from the mistakes.
• The search of meaning is innate. So give students time to think and reflect. Also, use graphs and visual aids to help students understand the full picture.
• Providing multiple and different kinds of assessment formats.

An example of a bean bag that can be used in classrooms

Further Information: 12 Brain/Mind Natural Learning Principles. By Renate N. Caine, Phd.d. and Geoffrey Caine, LL.M. by NLRI.ORG

Classroom Layout

• Large spaces: This kind of layout will let students move around. Recent brain research show the positive effect of physical movement on cognitive abilities . It's believed that physical movement contribute to lower the stress level and enhance the learning process.
• Comfort of the class: especially the chairs. Various kinds of chairs should be used and not only the wooden hard seats. Comfortable alternatives can be used like bean bags and floor pillows.
• Different colors in class: desks and walls can be in different colors to stimulate different parts of students brain and enhance their memory.

Criticism

Although brain-based teaching is considered an excellent learning strategy, it has a substantial number of criticisms. Many teachers could misrepresent the finding s of brain-based learning. These educators tend to believe that a single study theory justifies a particular classroom strategy without substantial evidence. Most of them are unaware of what constitutes an excellent study and the reputation of the researcher. Obviously, unfounded information could be dangerous especially in the acquisition of knowledge.

Also, inconsistencies of the results of brain research can impact the significance of brain-based learning strategies. Therefore, teachers must be cautious when applying the research results in the classrooms. Some critics claim that some of the brain research was done on animals which may impact applying those results on human.

Worth noting is that some educators have raised concern that there is nothing innovative in brain-based learning approach and some of the results are exaggerated . Through centuries, teachers have always employed similar strategies to improve students’ educational experience.

See Also

• Neuroplasticity
• Learning Theory (education)
• Visual Learning
• Auditory Learning

External Links

• Three Brain-Based Teaching Strategies to Build Executive Function in Students
• How Can Brain-Based Learning Change the Classroom?
• Flipped Classroom