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With constant technological advancements, the learning process has evolved to a great extent. As a result various new learning methods have been introduced to help our students learn in a more effective manner. One of the techniques that are increasingly becoming popular among teachers and students alike is Brain-Based Learning.
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What Is Brain-Based Learning?
This type of learning is not a recent development. However, with the teacher accountability movement initiated by President George W. Bush and sustained by President Barack Obama, it is experiencing improved attention. To put it simply, brain-based learning requires teachers to act as “neuroscientists” and concentrate on developing experiences which gratifies the inner workings of the learner’s brains. This results in enhanced learning experiences and superior retention.
How To Use Brain-Based Learning
There are numerous variables which impact the way your students absorb and retain new information. According to various Neuroscientific research, among the most prominent variables which affect learning are the pace of information delivery, social health and physical activity. Fortunately, you can band and manage several variables with the help of the following tips-
Use Recurrent Breaks
With the growing need of developing effective test-takers, it can be often tempting for most educators to think about cutting gym, recess and other recreational physical activities and instead focus on studies.
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But you should know that taking even a 5 minute break from studies and focusing on some physical activity can actually refresh the mind. Exercising the body is more efficient than making your students to slog through the teaching sessions where learners usually become fatigued and overwhelmed. According to studies, human brain digests and processes more information when our body is exercised regularly. As a teacher, you can use a variety of techniques to include brain breaks like using dance-along videos, activity cards etc. You can also find various ideas on the internet as well.
Focus on Social and Emotional Learning
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I am sure you know that some learners tend to struggle with acquiring sufficient emotional and social skills. Hence, more and more school districts in the United States are adopting the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) curricula to deal with this issue. Studies show that the SEL curriculum can help to increase test scores by almost 11 per cent and reduce problems related to classroom behavior by around 9 per cent.
Teach In Small Portions
Although it may sound odd, but learning new information is like eating food. The larger amounts you eat, the harder it will be for you to digest; while eating in smaller chunks will not only help you to digest, but you will be able to savor the taste as well. Ok...getting back to the topic at hand...studies have found that bite-sized portions of information are absorbed more effectively. Latest research shows that impressionable young brains operate best with a maximum of 4 chunks of new information at one time.
The job of an educator has become increasingly challenging and complex today. That is why, several educational neuroscientists are making new discoveries which will help to simplify your work and make learning more effective.
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What do you think about Brain-Based Learning? Share your thoughts and concerns by commenting below. We would love to hear from you.
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