I've been fascinated by Brain Based Learning.
I've made a point to learn a lot about how the brain works. Here are some of the important points:
1. The brain needs to make patterns and associations in order for new material to make sense.
2. Humor decreases stress and increases learning speed.
3. The working memory can hold 2 to 4 chunks of information at a time, usually in about 4 - 8 minutes. After that, the brain needs time to process, reflect and review in order for those chunks to move to the long term memory.
4. Music boosts brain organization and ability. It affects our moods and emotions. Music goes hand in hand with math.
5. The brain is a parallel processor. It needs to activate more than one process at a time. This is why lecture-type teaching doesn't work. Try combinations, such as listening and moving or watching and listening.
6. Practice does NOT make "perfect". Practice with appropriate feedback makes "better". Feedback should be honest and immediate, if possible.
7. If children are engaged cognitively, physically, emotionally and socially, learning will happen.
The more I learn about how the brain works, the more fascinated I am!
Want some resources?
Click the blue "learn more" button for a link to a previous post on Brain Based Learning Strategies.
Click the orange button for a link to Eric Jensen's blog.
Click the Pinterest logo to see my Pinterest board on Brain Research.
Enjoy your reading about Brain Based Learning!
