Teaching the Brain

Teaching the Brain

The brain is a mysteriously complex organ controlling how every stimuli is processed, including learning. This week’s blog will focus on brain-based learning also known as neuroplasticity and how we are able to appeal to the brain by shaping and molding information to enable learning. I located three very informative articles which provide unique insights on this topic.
The first article simply titled “Brain-Based Learning” provides an overview of brain-based learning by discussing the physiology of the brain and how it is work during the learning process. Science has evolved to the point of being able to quantitatively and qualitative analyze the brain and provide more data.  Which segments of the brain work, when and how they react to various stimuli. Thompson provided even more evidence to the old adage of “practice makes perfect” when in the article she said that “These findings lead to the conclusion that learning may be enhanced through practice and by engaging emotion into the process” (Thompson, S.,2017). This article also discusses how this type of learning can be applied to the classroom.
This is a great resource if you are looking for a general overview of the topic with a pictorial representation of exactly which part of the brain is impacted when and also to get tips on how to apply this new method of teaching to the classroom by providing various examples. There is even a terms and concepts section of the article so that if you are overwhelmed by the terminology there is a great reference accessible “at your fingertips” by just scrolling down to the bottom of the article.
The second article is titled “Understanding a Brain-Based Approach to Learning and Teaching” discusses the challenges of this type of learning and teaching.  It covers twelve guiding principles for using this type of learning. Some of these principles have been repeated across numerous articles and journals such as the brain is unique and that emotions act as a sort of cement to learning, in addition to practicing. This is a great resource for providing an insight on the various ways that brain-based learning can be manipulated in order to be successful.
The third article titled “Brain-Based Teaching Model as Transformation of Learning Paradigm in Higher Education” covers the huge transition from prior learning methods. The article stipulates that there are only five requirements of the brain and once that is accomplished brain-based learning and teaching will be demonstrated. The fifth factor mentioned in this article also is reinforced in the other two articles “the need for emotion, comfort, and activity” This is a great resource for understanding brain-based learning as it not only breaks down each of the five requirements but also gives examples which can be applied.

These are just a few articles out there which can give a much clearer understanding of what is entailed in brain-based learning. All the various points have been proven to help students learn even before these characteristics were named and categorized as neuroplasticity. The commonality  I am finding not only with these three articles but others out there is the need to ensure that the brain is stimulated by emotion and also physical activity. The flexibility of the brain also provides the groundwork for the other forms of learning theory such as connectivism and cognitivism. Again proving that even though these theories as being debated and discussed, the brain is the common factor. We know for sure that without a brain we cannot do anything.


Bibliography
Numela Caine, R., & Caine, G. (1990, October). Understanding a Brain-Based Approach to Learning and Teaching [Web log post]. Retrieved January 89, 2018, from https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/8d58/b6af940e0117fcd4f52ef7e73e16690261f5.pdf

Sesmiarni, Z. (2015). Brain Based Teaching Model as Transformation of Learning Paradigm in Higher Education. Al-Ta Lim Journal, 22(3), 266-275. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.15548/jt.v22i3.141


Thompson, S. (2017). Brain-Based Learning. Brain-Based Learning -- Research Starters Education, 1-6

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