Essential
question: What is brain-based learning and how can it inform
differentiation?
According to the website edglossary.org “Brain-based learning
refers to teaching methods, lesson designs, and school programs that are based
on the latest scientific research about how the brain learns, including such
factors as cognitive development—how students learn differently as they age,
grow, and mature socially, emotionally, and cognitively” (Brain-Based Learning
Definition). To me, this means that a teacher considers what is happening in a student’s
brain when creating lessons and teaching. Jensen talked about how “educators
can influence learning a great deal” (2005, p. 33). The latest research
suggests that our brains can in fact grow and change, this means that teachers
in the classroom can do more than help students reach their potential. A
teacher can help a student overpass it.
When
thinking about what a classroom should look and feel like to create the best
brain based learning there is a lot to consider. One thing to think about is
that “The highest-level executive thinking, making connections, and
"aha" moments of insight and creative innovation are more likely to
occur in an atmosphere of what Alfie Kohn calls exuberant
discovery, where students of all ages retain that kindergarten
enthusiasm of embracing each day with the joy of learning” (Edutopia). This makes
total since to me, it is always so exciting to learn when I am interested and intrigued
by the information. The real challenge for teachers is trying to find ways to
get this enthusiasm into everyday classwork. Another aspect to consider when
thinking about a classroom with brain-based learning is that “strong, secure relationships help
stabilize children’s behavior and provide the core guidance needed to build
lifelong social skills” (Jensen 2005, p. 19). Yes, this should not just happen
in a school setting, but for some children school is the only place this could
happen. Have a secure relationship starts with getting to know students, their
likes and dislikes as well as how they learn best. Students emotions play into
their learning as well. Jensen talked about the things that are
taught to children and the things that are hardwired from birth. Things that
are taught are things that can be shown and implemented within the classroom.
Such as, forgiveness, compassion, patience, and cooperation (2009, p.18). The
teacher can help students learn these emotions by using them and explaining
them throughout the school day.
Overall, what I understand now is that brain-based
learning is taking the time to stay up to date on reach about the brain. As
well as, taking the research into consideration when thinking about the
classroom environment, structure, and teaching practice.
References
Brain-Based Learning Definition.
(2013, August 29). Retrieved March 08, 2017, from
http://edglossary.org/brain-based-learning/
Jensen, E. (2009). Teaching with
Poverty in Mind : What Being Poor Does to Kids' Brains and What Schools Can Do
About It. Alexandria, Va: ASCD.
Jensen, E. (2005). Teaching with the Brain in Mind. Alexandria, Va: Assoc. for Supervision and Curriculum Development.
MD, J. W. (2014, July 18). The Neuroscience Behind Stress and Learning. Retrieved March 08, 2017, from https://www.edutopia.org/blog/neuroscience-behind-stress-and-learning-judy-willis
There are too many things to consider when we teach students! It was quite depressing to read more about brain-based learning. There are so many factors that affect teaching and learning that are sometimes out of our control. I agree that having a positive relationship with students is beneficial. I have tried over the last few years to make sure I am curious about my student’s likes, dislikes, and make conversation about something other than school. I want to believe it helps. I have less disruptions, and I am a little more “tolerant” of things that used to bother me 10 years ago. I think I am “choosing my battles”, but I also want to think that developing positive relationships helps too.
ReplyDeleteI have not really started my teaching career, so I feel like I have so much to learn and grow. I think that I will probably have a similar situation as you in the way that I am kind of a strict teacher, but will probably figure out what is important and not so important once I have started teaching. I hope that having all this knowledge has shaped me into being a good teacher and that it all has a place in what my classroom looks like.
ReplyDeleteRelationships are so beneficial yet can be so painful. Kids are excellent at reading if you really care or are just going through the motions. I use to think strict was important until implemented journaling for my nursing students. I learned some very important details about my students that contribute to my ability to overlook some of the classroom details of participation, and frustrating personality traits as well as see my students with more compassion for success.
ReplyDeleteSpecifically there were once two students who one shared growing up in chaos in an alcoholic family and now the great desire to have control over everything in their life. This is visible in various aspects including often reorganizing their items on the desk while I am teaching, speaking up out of turn with what they believe was reality of a topic when it actually was not, and the desire to go overboard with making notes in hopes to have control over learning. When I get frustrated with the activities and sometime feel that this student may be challenging me I have to self reflect if it is my personal emotional feeling of a threat or disrespect vs their only known way to cope with the high stress of learning.
A few others had emotional trauma from caregivers demanding excellence with no room for error. We have read that error is part of the learning process. Theses students have extremely high anxiety and easily become depressed when they make any mistakes. A note to keep in mind is that these are the students who are my "A" students. If not for the journal I would not know about their battle with depression and strong sense of having to be perfect and feelings of inadequacy.
Cultural differences are also a challenge when it comes to what we may feel are respectable and acceptable actions in a classroom. There is a challenge for teachers of children from rural villages of the Yukon Delta region regaurding the idea of respect and attention. The Yup'ik children that come from more traditional homes which is most village and some Bethel based students have a different understanding of respect. They are taught never to look at an elder in the eyes as this is a sign of disrespect. How many of us see looking at us in the eyes as a form of respect and sign of listening. I have had to learn this. I have an adult Yup'ik student who rarely looks me in the eyes. i often have to remind myself that she is listening and simply showing respect.
All of this to make the point that culture, fear, unrealistic understanding of expectations, and simple coping mechanisms may contribute to activities that if we simply get angry or punish them we only suppress their drive to learn even more. I encourage one to "breath", self reflect, and truly get to know your students. Please believe me when I say that I konw there are the children that will try every connecting neuron in your brain and spirit however hold on, invest, care, breath, and connect. Set goals that meet them where they are and not expecting them to be on the same level as everyone else or respond as everyone else. You may be the one that connects with them and causes those brain neurons to connect and promotes them to be successful in their future.
I enjoyed hearing your experiences. I agree that using a journal can be a helpful way to get to know your students a little bit better. One of my high school English teachers had my class use journals and I liked the freeing ability of it. I am always worrying about punctuation and spelling, but in the journal I could write whatever I wanted to and did not have to worry about the grade or getting it wrong. I think that older students and teachers can definitely benefit from it. With younger students it might be more frustrating if they do not know many words or have a hard time writing.
ReplyDelete