Comments on: Can Brain Research Help Educators? http://www.jensenlearning.com/news/brain-research/brain-based-teaching Teaching and Learning Strategies Using A Brain-Based Approach. Eric Jensen Sat, 04 Feb 2012 02:05:13 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Geraldine Cardenas http://www.jensenlearning.com/news/brain-research/brain-based-teaching#comment-30025 Geraldine Cardenas Wed, 20 Jul 2011 18:18:38 +0000 http://www.jensenlearning.com/news/?p=1#comment-30025 Learning and fun should go together. These two work complimentary to achieve overall success in learning. Important practices are presented throughout this video that would greatly enhance the learning environment in the classroom considering that these strategies are brain based. “Environmental influences to be more significant than hereditary factors…30-60 percent of our brain’s wiring, while 40-70 percent is due to environmental factors,” (Wilmes, Harrington, Kohler-Evans, & Sumpter, 2008). Students are with their teacher for about 180 days out of the year; it is imperative that they are provided with a climate that is welcoming, safe, and fun. Therefore, this certain piece examined these environmental criterions and how they can impact the learning process. In my professional opinion, I feel as though the more research done about the brain, the more informed my decisions in the classroom can be due to this knowledge. The senses influence mood, attention, memory recall, and behavior. Smell, sound, sight, and movement are the four major aspects that were discussed in this video. As seen, implementing music as a learning tool can increase instruction time as well. The integration of planned colors and lighting can also change the learning process in a positive manner. Since physical activity affects the brain in respect to cognitive development, these findings can be interwoven with movement. I have seen these suggestions make a vast difference in the behavior of my students! We all enjoy receiving a break to stretch and to just be able to move around. Why not in our own classrooms? Implementing planned lesson energizers, brain breaks, classroom outings, and exercise can truly benefit all students in the classroom, especially students with ADHD. As a teacher, I can also implement movement through role play, music, and stretching. Also, allowing time to have a “mental break” can benefit all students from taking a time out from cognitive tasks. Another reminder that some teachers forget to keep in mind is to not allow students to be seated for long periods of time. Movement in the classroom is just a smart way to engage students in the learning process with all of the positive impacts it has on the brain and academic achievement. In conclusion, the brain is an integral part to learning. Its functions and wiring is so unique that one cannot help but to be amazed! In the classroom, recognizing the duties and responsibilities of the brain and how that impacts learning can truly benefit a teacher. In my classroom, I hope to educate my students about how their brain works so that they can become better equipped to evolve into autonomous learners. I have utilized several brain-based strategies in my classroom and I have witnessed how the strategies have helped students with ADHD and students from poverty. I love finding strategies that inform my practice and aid in making me a better teacher to serve my wonderful students! Learning and fun should go together. These two work complimentary to achieve overall success in learning. Important practices are presented throughout this video that would greatly enhance the learning environment in the classroom considering that these strategies are brain based. “Environmental influences to be more significant than hereditary factors…30-60 percent of our brain’s wiring, while 40-70 percent is due to environmental factors,” (Wilmes, Harrington, Kohler-Evans, & Sumpter, 2008). Students are with their teacher for about 180 days out of the year; it is imperative that they are provided with a climate that is welcoming, safe, and fun. Therefore, this certain piece examined these environmental criterions and how they can impact the learning process.

In my professional opinion, I feel as though the more research done about the brain, the more informed my decisions in the classroom can be due to this knowledge. The senses influence mood, attention, memory recall, and behavior. Smell, sound, sight, and movement are the four major aspects that were discussed in this video. As seen, implementing music as a learning tool can increase instruction time as well. The integration of planned colors and lighting can also change the learning process in a positive manner. Since physical activity affects the brain in respect to cognitive development, these findings can be interwoven with movement. I have seen these suggestions make a vast difference in the behavior of my students! We all enjoy receiving a break to stretch and to just be able to move around. Why not in our own classrooms?

Implementing planned lesson energizers, brain breaks, classroom outings, and exercise can truly benefit all students in the classroom, especially students with ADHD. As a teacher, I can also implement movement through role play, music, and stretching. Also, allowing time to have a “mental break” can benefit all students from taking a time out from cognitive tasks. Another reminder that some teachers forget to keep in mind is to not allow students to be seated for long periods of time. Movement in the classroom is just a smart way to engage students in the learning process with all of the positive impacts it has on the brain and academic achievement.

In conclusion, the brain is an integral part to learning. Its functions and wiring is so unique that one cannot help but to be amazed! In the classroom, recognizing the duties and responsibilities of the brain and how that impacts learning can truly benefit a teacher. In my classroom, I hope to educate my students about how their brain works so that they can become better equipped to evolve into autonomous learners. I have utilized several brain-based strategies in my classroom and I have witnessed how the strategies have helped students with ADHD and students from poverty. I love finding strategies that inform my practice and aid in making me a better teacher to serve my wonderful students!

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