A Truly Amazing Organ...

Let's Discuss...Brain Research and Learning June 28, 2011

Brain research and learning is ongoing and incredibly interesting and happens daily, not only in research based hospitals, but also in classrooms worldwide. The brain is a programmable organ made of cells that will accept any form of information given, regardless of its method of delivery. With that said, research has shown that differing brains do accept and respond to material more readily when delivered in differing manner. 

Dr. Patricia Wolfe notes four findings from brain research that are necessary for children to have the best learning experience. The first, being the “brain is sculpted through experience” (LAUREATE, Inc 2008). Wolfe notes through experience the brain is sculpted; the entire environment enables and engages a student’s brain therefore we must keep our classroom an upbeat place of learning. She continues by saying the brain “seeks meaningful patterns” in activity, phonemes, and voices to make connections. With this the brain uses “emotion as a catalyst for learning” and can be a powerful tool when teaching (LAUREATE, Inc, 2008). We, as teachers, must always have the child make a connection to the content for a more meaningful experience so a memory will be logged into the brain. The fourth finding is the two types of memory: procedural and declarative memory. Both types of memory are imperative for learning as teachers and students need to have the ability to recall what they ate for breakfast this morning, as well as simply read a book because they know the words on the paper.

Each of these four factors is essential for a brain to grow. Cells that are not utilized do not die nor do they suffer atrophy, but if continually utilized they will master the designated element given. This fact is one attribute that makes the brain an amazing organ and growth that teachers must continue to foster through an interactive classroom for the brains of those in the desks we see each day will be serving us and our world for the years to come.

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2008). Brain Research and Learning. Baltimore: Executive Producer.

HAVE A LOOK....http://www.funderstanding.com/v2/educators/brain-based-learning/