How the Brain Learns Best
This article describes what instructional strategies teachers should employ to avoid neural system fatigue and how the brain processes information. When instruction includes too many facts it does not hold the pupil’s attention. Once the neural system is exhausted, the student will become more focused on day dreaming or distracters in the classroom. The Bob-and-Weave Lecture style is also suggested as a way to avoid neural system fatigue. When utilizing the Bob-and-Weave Lecture style the instructor alternates between facts and emotional information, which will help students store the information.
Brain Based Learning
This article describes the twelve principles of the brain related to teaching and learning, developed by Caine and Caine. Also described are the three conditions needed for complex learning to occur. Instructors need to have an understanding of the twelve principles so they can help facilitate the conditions for learning. Several links for activities/projects developed on the theory of brain based learning are also offered.
Three Ways the Brain Creates Meaning
This article contains a link to a short video focused on how the brain interprets information like words, images, feelings, and connections. Images help the brain remember the information being taught. There are three parts of the brain that help with the creating of meaning are the Ventral Stream, the Dorsal Stream, and the Limbic System. The Ventral Stream is responsible for detecting what something is. The best method to engage this area of the brain is to provide images with instruction. The Dorsal Stream is responsible for determining physical location and creating mental maps. Images that are engaging and interactive help the brain create meaning and activate the Dorsal Stream. The Limbic System involves feelings and emotion. Instructors need to understand the importance of images and how they help determine meaning.
