Application Week #2: Understanding a Brain Based Approach to Learning and Teaching

Website:

http://www.coe.iup.edu/grbieger/classes/curr910/Readings/Brainbasedlearning.pdf

Although the article is dated back to 1990, the information provides a good understanding about the importance of educators becoming aware of how the brain works, and the impact that condition and environment plays in optimizing the learning experience. 

The 9 principles of the brain-based approach to learning and teaching are described.  For example, “Principle #1 The brain is a parallel processor which performs many functions simultaneously.  We do not realize that while we are learning, our brain is making us breathe, hear and see without any interruption to the learning process.  Principle #2 Learning engages the entire physiology such as the heart, lungs and brain.  Learning is a natural as breathing.”…Principle #8 Learning always involves the conscious and unconscious process. 

The objective of brain-based learning it moving from memorizing information to meaningful learning.  Brain –based learning is not a theory it is a learning approach.

Reference:

(Caine, G and Caine, R.N.) Understanding a Brain Based Approach to Learning and Teaching; Educational Leadership, Oct. 1990: 66-70