Brain Based Learning in the Digital Age

  The educational theory known as "Brain Based Learning" involves the focus of class instruction, materials, and assessments in a way that best serves the way a student's brain functions (Cook). When students study using this method, they have a greater chance of retaining the information taught to them. In this digital age, students have the ways, means, and speed to gather an enormous about of information. Unfortunately that is not enough. They also need the guidance of teachers to ensure that the information they are seeking is being well internalized.

  I'm presently working at a Korean elementary school and unfortunately the Korean education system doesn't really use this approach with the students. It is not student centered for the most part and students are expected to just listen and memorize information for the sole purpose of passing tests. Luckily for me, my English class is an exception to that rule. My co-teacher and I try to apply many of the principles of Brain Based learning during our lessons. We find the students react very positively to this. So what are these principles?The Sonoma County Department of Educations lists 12 that provide a structure for their education process and curriculum building (Sonoma). I will be jumping from one principle to another discussing ways that I use them in my classroom.

The Importance of Kinesthetics in Learning  and Stress Release 

   One of the principles states that physical education, recess and movement are critical to learning (Jensen). I couldn't agree more. This has always been a  main theme in my class. Most of my activities are based on getting the students up and moving, singing, or dancing (TPR activities). My elementary students have a very short attention span and so after teaching them the necessary information. I have them get up and move around the class to complete their tasks. I really heavily on Youtube for songs to keep them motivated! Our school doesn't have recess, but only 5 minute breaks between classes). Lunches are 50 minutes long and the students quickly eat so that they can head outside for a much deserved break. These breaks are important since they give the students a chance to "recharge" their brains with positive chemicals such as Dopamine as well as relieve some stress. Although we don't practice this at our school, techniques on how to reduce and deal with stress should be implemented too. Lighting candles, turning off the lights and having a few minutes to just relax can be quite beneficial to some. 

Grouping and Maintaining a Healthy Learning Environment

  Another principle states that social interactions and a nurturing classroom environment are very important in the learning process. If students are feeling isolated from the class or their peers, they are more likely to not follow what is being taught. Because of this, the teacher plays an important role when it comes to creating a safe and welcoming environment for the learner. Making sure that bullying doesn't occur in and out of the classroom is one thing that we do in our school. We have an anonymous drop box where students can inform teachers about bullies or any other issues they may have. We also have an email address if they find that more convenient. 

  When making groups, we try to group students according to their various levels in the hopes that the higher level students will help their lower level peers. We never let the students decide the teams because that could lead to some students feeling unwanted. The relationship the students have with the teacher is also important. Students who get little feedback, have no say in the way the class is run, and are forced to do assignments on tight time constraints have a higher chance of "downshifting" and react negatively to school as a whole(Cook). The teacher should use strategies that promote a positive learning experience. In our class, we try hard to listen to what the students have to say with regards to how the lesson will be taught. Should there be more videos? More group work? All this is done by asking students and getting to know what best stimulates them. Also, teaching them how to stay positive and optimistic is another important key. Optimistic students fare much better than their pessimistic peers (Brain Smart)

Learning in Chunks

  Another principle is that information should be taught in "chunks" rather than in big blocks. This is due to the fact that the brain can only process a certain amount of information in any given time. When the brain is over saturated, it shuts down which leads to students tuning out and/or misbehaving. Teaching in chunks facilitates easy retrieval of information as students have to memorize the chunks instead of the individual information. These chunks also act as cues, allowing for easy recollection of information (PLB). In our class, our chunks vary depending on the amount of information the students already know. When we present the information, we give them a period of time to process it before moving to the next chunk. We always go over the information asking questions to check for retention as well as activities that reinforce what has been taught.

The Importance of the Arts

  Another principle is the importance of Arts in the class. They show that certain arts boost attention, working memory, and visual spatial skills (Jensen). Once again, this is something I use in my classroom. Whenever teaching a subject, I like to have students draw pictures based on the content learned. This can be done using a variety of computer programs(my students also love playing Pictionnary). I find my students express themselves very well this way since their English abilities are very limited.

Variety is the Spice of Life

  The last principle to be discussed states that children should be exposed to rich and meaningful experiences and then given time and opportunities to make sense of their experiences (Jensen). They should be given time to reflect on what they have learned and how it relates to their lives. In my class, we usually give team projects to do based on the content learned once every chapter and we encourage them to use not only what they have learned in class but to bring in other aspects of their lives that relate to the material being covered,

References

Cook, Jessica   "Challenges That Teachers face With Brain based Learning
 Retrieved June 20th from
 http://www.ehow.com/list_6385031_challenges-teachers-face-brain_based-learning.html

Jensen, Eric   " What is Brain-Based Teaching?" Florida Education Association
Retrieved June 20th from
http://feaweb.org/brain-based-learning-strategies

PLB  "Professional Learning Board"
Retrieved June 20th from
https://k12teacherstaffdevelopment.com/tlb/how-can-i-use-chunking-as-an-effective-memory-strategy-in-the-classroom/


Sonoma County Department of Education 2013 "The 12 Principles of Brain based Learning'
Retrieved June 20th from
http://www.talkingpage.org/artic011.html