Brain Based Teaching and Learning

“If the brain is the organ for learning, then why aren’t teachers brain

experts?

Left and Right Brain

• Analytic thought– Step by step process

• Logic– Conclusions based upon a

logical or consecutive order

• Language– Using words to

name/describe/define

• Math & Science– Number use, awareness of

time, symbols, facts & linear reasoning

• Holistic thought– Seeing “big” picture before

understanding details• Intuition

– Insight based upon incomplete patterns or “hunches”

• Creativity– Demonstrative with minimal

word use, understanding relationships

• Art & Music– Putting pieces together to

form “wholes”

LEFT RIGHT

Left/Right Hemisphere Specialization

Cognition and Emotions• The ability to engage the mind and heart with high

interest, focused attention and relevancy and meaning of subject matter.

• Research verifies that emotional connections, prior knowledge and novelty are key ingredients to creating experiences where students learn and retain knowledge at deep levels of understanding- applying it in the everyday world!

Imagination • Imagination is our greatest domestic renewable resource.

Without it, education is utterly empty! • Testing and data collection is born of good intention: to close

achievement gaps of race and poverty. Too many public schools focus on the measurable to the exclusion of the possible. We are preparing for tests, but are we preparing for skillful learners in the world beyond school?

There is no conflict between Imagination and Accountability

• Our brains and minds are wired for patterns, observing details and visuals, curiosity, and emotional connections. Our brains love and ponder questions long after they have been asked!

• Our brains are wired to create meaning and capable of holding larger perspectives IF we are guided in this direction!

• EXPERIENCES CHANGE THE BRAIN!!

Can you Mentally Calculate the answer for 685+453+985+283-796 within 8 seconds

Or

Can you Mentally Calculate 632*65-53% within 8 seconds

Mind Power

Mind Power

Left vs. Right Brain

• Intellectual• Sequential• Analytical • Logical • Accuracy-Driven

Left brain Right brain

• Emotional • Intuitive • Creative • Big Picture• Visionary

It is important to understand that, in general the Art of Brain there is more focus on right brain thinking.

• Knowing which side is dominant helps you understand your…• Personality• Teaching Style• Learning Style• Task Development• And a host of other things!

Left vs. Right Brain

Emotional States and Child Development

• We have to observe and understand how children develop as a part of the holistic model of effective education. We need to look at

• Attachment• Right brain and left brain development • Environment• Prior knowledge and past experiences• Emotional IQ which accounts for 75-96% of life and job success and

happiness, which includes self-efficacy, self-awareness, the ability to empathize, motivation and social awareness

Brain Friendly Categories• Positive emotion• Gratitude• Optimism• Curiosity

• In early and continuing on through adolescence, 20% of responses are reflective with conscious control

• 80% reactive or involuntary responses from the older brain –limbic system (amygdala)

• As teachers, our goal is to help our students critically think and problem solve through the executive function of the frontal lobe.

Executive Functions• Delay of gratification• Decision-making• Organizing• Prioritizing• Tolerance• Empathy• Adaptability• Only five or six emotions are hardwired

Working Memory

• Key to learning!! This is the ability of focused attention and manipulation of presented knowledge or information. Many students are diagnosed incorrectly because we are not looking at the significance and contribution of the working memory in learning and interacting with others.

How do we reach focused attention?

• Novelty• Pique curiosity- drives attention• No threat is perceived

• Causes of Stress• Overpacked curriculum• Fear of being wrong• Test-taking• Frustration with difficult material• Boredom from lack of stimulation! • Embarrassment ( to read aloud)

Why do students drop out of school?

• 75%- material wasn’t interesting• 39% material wasn’t relevant• 37%no interactions with teachers

• Boredom is stressful!

• So what do we do?• Create a community and classroom culture that feels safe and accepting.• Consistent guidelines• Teach students ways to control their own responses and monitoring their emotions• Visualizations and activities that are physical and tactile- movement engages 100%

of the brain which no cognitive skill or strategy can do this!

Environment is Key• Genius is much more than genes! When you enrich the

environment and exercise the muscles of the brain and power of the mind, you are literally creating neurons, neural connections and stimulating IQ and brain development

• Frequent informal assessment strengthens learning • Self-assessment is the most powerful form of assessment

because it empowers the student, gives relevant, personal and meaningful feedback and reinforces memory!