Brain-Friendly Learning

Transcription

1 Brain-Friendly Learning Carla Mathison, Ph.D School of Teacher Education San Diego State University School In The Park 1

2 Learning & the Human Brain the adult brain weighs about 3 pounds it contains more than 60 different chemicals that affect our memory, learning and relationships it is home to 100 billion neurons each capable of making thousands of connections School In The Park 2

3 Learning & the Human Brain What do we know about the brain that would inform decisions we make about how we teach? School In The Park 3

4 Theory is based on the structure and function of the human brain. As long as the brain is not prohibited from fulfilling its normal processes, learning will occur. School In The Park 4

5 Core Principles of Adapted from Caine & Caine, 2006) Learning engages the whole physiology. School In The Park 5

6 Core Principles of Learning engages the whole physiology. - movement is a critical component of learning School In The Park 6

7 Core Principles of Learning engages the whole physiology. - movement is a critical component of learning -activating multiple senses in a focused manner enhances learning and memory School In The Park 7

8 Core Principles of The search for meaning is innate. School In The Park 8

9 Core Principles of The search for meaning is innate. - It is a very basic survival mechanism that drives us to make sense of our world. School In The Park 9

10 Core Principles of The search for meaning is innate. - It is a very basic survival mechanism that drives us to make sense of our world. - If we find no meaning, we refocus our attention to something else School In The Park 10

11 Core Principles of The search for meaning comes through patterning. The mind is a pattern-seeking device; it is not logical or sequential in the way it takes in and makes meaning of input. School In The Park 11

12 Core Principles of The search for meaning comes through patterning. The mind is a pattern-seeking device; it is not logical or sequential in the way it takes in and makes meaning of input. It seeks to answer the question: How is this new information like something I already know? School In The Park 12

13 Core Principles of Emotions are critical to patterning (and, therefore, critical to learning). School In The Park 13

14 Core Principles of Emotions are critical to patterning (and, therefore, critical to learning). What emotions have I wrapped around what I know? Did I have fun learning it? Was I successful? Did I have good experiences with others as I was learning this? School In The Park 14

15 Learning & the Human Brain Emotional Intelligence The key ingredients for understanding how to learn are: Confidence Curiosity Intentionality Self-Control Relatedness Capacity to Communicate Ability to Cooperate Daniel Goleman, 1994 School In The Park 15

16 Learning & the Human Brain Emotional Intelligence Confidence Curiosity Intentionality Self-Control Relatedness Capacity to Communicate Ability to Cooperate These traits are all aspects of Emotional Intelligence. Basically, a student who learns to learn is much more apt to succeed. Emotional Intelligence has proven a better predictor of future success than traditional methods like the GPA, IQ, and standardized test scores. (National Center for Clinical Infant Programs, 1992) School In The Park 16

17 Learning & the Human Brain Emotional Intelligence Exactly what is Emotional Intelligence? The term encompasses 5 characteristics/abilities: School In The Park 17

18 Learning & the Human Brain Emotional Intelligence Exactly what is Emotional Intelligence? The term encompasses 5 characteristics/abilities: Self-Awareness - knowing your emotions, recognizing feelings as they occur, and discriminating between them School In The Park 18

19 Learning & the Human Brain Emotional Intelligence Exactly what is Emotional Intelligence? The term encompasses 5 characteristics/abilities: Mood Management - handling feelings so they re relevant to the current situation and you react appropriately School In The Park 19

20 Learning & the Human Brain Emotional Intelligence Exactly what is Emotional Intelligence? The term encompasses 5 characteristics/abilities: Self-Motivation - gathering up your feelings and directing yourself towards a goal, despite selfdoubt, inertia, and impulsiveness. School In The Park 20

21 Learning & the Human Brain Emotional Intelligence Exactly what is Emotional Intelligence? The term encompasses 5 characteristics/abilities: Empathy - recognizing feelings in others and tuning into their verbal and nonverbal cues School In The Park 21

22 Learning & the Human Brain Emotional Intelligence Exactly what is Emotional Intelligence? The term encompasses 5 characteristics/abilities: Managing Relationships - handling interpersonal interactions, conflict resolution, and negotiations School In The Park 22

23 Core Principles of School in the Park (SITP) provides for so many experiences that build strong emotional intelligence. School In The Park 23

24 Core Principles of The brain processes wholes and parts simultaneously. School In The Park 24

25 Core Principles of The brain processes wholes and parts simultaneously. Learners may need some help understanding connections among the all the different things they are learning. But, making those connections is critical to meaning-making and remembering. School In The Park 25

26 Core Principles of We understand best when facts are embedded in natural, spatial memory. School In The Park 26

27 Core Principles of Since our brains like challenges How can we, as teachers, continue to use the successes of SITP and what we know about how the brain learns to build bridges to our curriculum back in our own classroom learning environments? School In The Park 27