Is a Brain-Based Learning Model Better Than The Way We Learn Today?
School is mandatory, but the way we learn in school could use some improvement. Nearly everyone would agree with that statement. But what’s the solution? Some people believe that brain-based learning is the answer. So what is brain-based learning and how does it differ from the way we learn today? Let’s find out.
What is the Brain-Based Learning Model?
A brain-based learning model is an educational approach that takes into account how the brain learns. This type of learning considers the whole learner, not just the cognitive aspect. It includes the emotional, social, and physical aspects of learning as well.
This model also takes into account different learning styles. Some students are visual learners while others are auditory or kinesthetic learners. And, of course, each person learns differently. The brain-based learning model tries to cater to all these different types of learners.
How brain-based learning model works?
Brain-based learning model usually involves small group work, hands-on activities, and using real-world examples. This type of learning is often more engaging and interactive than the traditional lecture style of teaching. And, since it takes into account different learning styles, it can be more effective for some students.
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Some of the core strategies of this model include:
1. Discussion-based Classroom Teaching: Studies show that most students retain only 5 to 10 per cent of the information they receive through a lecture. Discussion-based classrooms, on the other hand, promote active learning and better retention of information.
For example, while studying History, a discussion on current events can help students see how the material they’re learning is relevant to their lives. They may also discuss the decisions made by historical figures and their results and consequences. They may also discuss how they would have handled the same situation.
2. Meaningful and Relevant Information: Students are more likely to retain information that is relevant and meaningful to them. This can be achieved by connecting the material to real-world examples or experiences.
For example, if you’re teaching a math lesson on fractions, connect it to baking a cake or baking cookies. Dividing portions will make more sense to students if they can see how it’s applied in a real-world scenario.
3. Written and Oral Presentation of Information: Verbalizing things and writing them down are age-old ways of transferring information from short-term memory to long-term memory. This is why many brain-based learning models incorporate both written and oral presentations into their curricula.
For example, after a lesson on photosynthesis, students may be asked to explain the process in their own words. They may also be asked to write a summary of what they’ve learned. These activities help students process and retain information better.
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4. Practice over Rote Learning: Rote learning, or memorizing information without understanding it, is not an effective way to learn. This is because students often forget what they’ve rote learned as soon as the test is over. On the other hand, practising what you’ve learned helps embed the information in your long-term memory.
For example, instead of just memorizing the states and capitals, students can use flashcards to practice. Or, they can play a game where they have to name the capital when given the state. These activities make learning more active and fun, and help students retain the information better.
Better still, they can pin the capital on the state or use toys to create a mini-map of the United States. These activities help students not only learn the states and capitals but also understand their locations in relation to each other.
5. Peer Teaching: Research shows that students learn best when they teach each other. This is because teaching requires a higher level of understanding than just listening or reading. When you are teaching something, you have to be able to explain it in different ways and from different perspectives. This helps you better understand the material yourself.
In a brain-based learning model, students often teach each other in small groups. For example, after a lesson on the solar system, students can be paired up and asked to teach the material to their partners. The teacher can then circulate the room and offer help as needed. Not only will this help students understand the material better, but it will also give them a chance to practice their communication and leadership skills.
6. Stimulation: Stimulating students’ brains’ emotional centres through humour, movement, or games can help them focus better, increase their engagement, and help process information better.
A funny anecdote related to the material can help students better remember the information. For example, if you’re teaching a lesson on the American Revolution, you could tell a joke about Paul Revere’s famous ride.
“Why did Paul Revere ride his horse from town to town? To get exercise!”
Students can also be asked to stand up and move around the room to increase their engagement. For example, after a lesson on the parts of the human body, students can be asked to stand up and touch their heads, shoulders, knees, and toes.
In online learning, many successful CrunchGrade teachers wear costumes or use props to help students better engage with the material. For example, a teacher dressing up as Julius Caesar can help students better understand what life was like during his time.
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7. Group Work: Group work is another brain-based learning strategy that has been proven to be effective. This is because it engages more parts of the brain than individual work. It also allows students to share ideas and learn from each other. In a brain-based learning model, students often work in small groups to complete tasks.
For example, after a lesson on the water cycle, students can be divided into groups of three or four. Each group can then be given a different scenario (e.g., a hot day, a cold day, etc.) and asked to come up with a list of things that would happen during that scenario. This activity not only helps students understand the water cycle better but also encourages them to think creatively and work collaboratively.
8. Physical Activity Improves Learning Outcomes: Many studies reveal that walking breaks during lessons can increase the attention span of students, revitalize them, and help them retain information better. A brain-based learning model would incorporate physical activity into the lesson to help students stay focused and engaged.
For example, in an economics class, students can role-play a bank scenario. One student can be the teller, one can be the customer, and the rest can be observers. After a few minutes, the roles can be switched so that everyone gets a chance to experience different parts of the scenario. This activity not only helps students understand banking better but also gets them up and moving around.
9. Affirmations and Positive Criticism: It has been observed that happier students are more willing to learn and tend to do better in school. In a brain-based learning model, affirmations and positive criticism are used to help students feel good about themselves and their ability to learn.
For example, after a student correctly answers a question, the teacher can say something like, “Good job! You’re really smart!” This will help the student feel good about themselves and their ability to learn. Similarly, if a student makes a mistake, the teacher can correct them gently and say something like, “That was a good try. But perhaps, we can try it this way…” This will help the student feel not discouraged and willing to try again.
Besides the words, your expressions and body language matter. If you show genuine interest and curiosity in the student’s proposed solution, he or she is more likely to show interest in what you have to say.
10. Stress-Free Studies: The whole point of using the brain-based learning model is to make learning fun, effortless, and stress-free. This means that there is no pressure to get things perfect and that mistakes are seen as part of the learning process.
For example, in a math class, students can be given a problem to solve, but they are not told what the right answer is. They are then asked to share their methods and solutions with the class. This way, students can learn from each other and no one feels pressure to get the “right” answer.
How the brain-based learning differs from the traditional learning approach?
The brain-based learning model is a more holistic and effective approach to education that takes into account the way the brain learns best. By incorporating strategies such as stimulation, group work, physical activity, and affirmations, students will not only learn the material better but will also be more engaged and motivated to learn. Implementing a brain-based learning model in the classroom can help students reach their full potential.
Traditional learning methods tend to be more linear, with students learning material one step at a time. This can be effective for some students, but it does not take into account the way the brain learns best. In addition, traditional learning methods often do not incorporate strategies to keep students engaged and motivated. As a result, many students become bored or discouraged and do not reach their full potential.
Developing a brain-based learning curriculum can be time-taking and tedious. But it is worth the investment. It can help students of all learning styles succeed. If you are interested in implementing a brain-based learning model in your classroom, there are many resources available to help you get started.
The brain-based learning model is a relatively new way of teaching that takes into account how the human brain works. This type of learning is more effective than the traditional way of teaching, which is mainly based on transferring information from teacher to student. There are both advantages and disadvantages to using this method, but at CrunchGrade, we believe it has great potential for future education. If you are intrigued about this approach and want to know more, please contact us and we would be happy to help.
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