Brain-Based Learning

by Jensen, Eric P.

• ISBN13: 9781412962551
• ISBN10: 1412962552
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2008-06-12
• Publisher: Corwin Pr
• More Book Details
• Purchase Benefits

Summary

"This book is filled with classroom implications and instructional suggestions based on research. Classroom teachers, school administrators, professional development trainers, college/university faculty, and parents would all benefit from this information." a??Andrea Rosenblatt, Associate Professor Barry University "I have used the information from this book in many of my trainings. The 'What This Means to You' sections translate technical information into everyday language for the reader. This is truly a book that makes, has made, and will continue to make a contribution to the field." a??Steve Hutton, Area Coordinator Kentucky Center for Instructional Discipline Adopt a teaching approach aligned with the brain's natural way of learning! Borrowing research from the disciplines of neuroscience, biology, and psychology, brain expert Eric Jensen offers an easy-to-understand explanation of the relationship between learning and the brain, helping educators increase student motivation and achievement. The author shares empirical data and provides in-depth information about the impact of physiological effects, sensory stimuli, and emotions on learning. Updated and streamlined, this second edition offers: A set of brain-based principles for informed decision making Low-cost teaching strategies that teachers can implement immediately Reader-friendly language accessible for both novice and veteran educators Easy-to-follow chapter outlines and helpful text boxes to emphasize key points Written for teachers, teacher leaders, and administrators, this comprehensive text demonstrates how brain-compatible learning environments can work to optimize learning in the classroom, reduce discipline problems, overcome learning difficulties, and increase graduation rates.

Table of Contents

Preface	p. xii
Acknowledgments	p. xv
About the Author	p. xvi
Fundamentals of Brain-Based Learning	p. 1
What Is Brain-Based Learning?	p. 2
Where Did Brain-Based Education Come From?	p. 3
Defining Brain-Based Learning	p. 4
Is Our Old Paradigm Outdated?	p. 5
Survival of the Fittest	p. 5
Determined Behaviorist	p. 6
Brain-Based Naturalist	p. 6
Giving the Brain an Appropriate Model Environment	p. 6
How Your Student's Brain Learns	p. 8
How the Brain Learns	p. 9
Routing Information Through the Brain	p. 9
Basic Anatomy of the Brain	p. 10
Cells of the Central Nervous System	p. 11
Glial Cells	p. 12
Neurons	p. 13
Divisions and Functions of the Brain	p. 15
Brain Stem	p. 15
Cerebellum	p. 15
Diencephalon	p. 16
Cerebrum	p. 16
The Micro Level of Learning	p. 17
Brain Dominance in Learning	p. 18
Relative Lateralization	p. 19
The Paradox of Left-Brain Creativity	p. 20
The Paradox of Right-Brain Logic	p. 22
Rhythms of the Brain	p. 23
The When Is As Important As the What and Why	p. 24
Attentional Cycle	p. 25
Ultradian Rhythm	p. 26
Dual Cycles Run the Learning Brain	p. 27
The "Pulse" Style of Learning Is Best for the Brain	p. 27
Physiological Effects on Learning	p. 31
Biological Differences in Learning	p. 32
It's Not the Brain Size That Counts ...	p. 33
Functional Differences	p. 33
Hearing	p. 35
Vision	p. 35
Touch	p. 35
Activity	p. 35
Smell and Taste	p. 35
Problem Solving	p. 36
The Impact of Physical Movement on the Brain	p. 37
Physical Education and Learning	p. 38
Benefits of Exercise on the Brain	p. 38
Growing Up Active	p. 39
Sensorimotor Integration in Kids	p. 40
The Chemistry of Physical Activity	p. 41
Stress and Threat	p. 42
Types of Stress	p. 43
The Brain in Distress	p. 43
The Distressed Learner	p. 45
Reactions to Threats	p. 48
Putting an End to Threats	p. 49
How Relaxation Affects Learning	p. 50
The Importance of Rest	p. 50
Energizer Ideas	p. 51
Sensory Contributions to Learning	p. 53
The Role of Sight in Learning	p. 54
Sight's Impact on the Learning Process	p. 55
Color in the Environment	p. 55
Concrete Vivid Images	p. 56
The Impact of Peripherals	p. 57
Light in the Environment	p. 57
Seasons Can Impact Learning	p. 58
The Role of Touch in Learning	p. 60
School Environments and Cognition	p. 61
Learning Hurt by Bad Environments	p. 61
Brain-Friendly Environmental Changes	p. 62
The Role of Taste in Learning	p. 63
Nutrition and Learning	p. 64
The Importance of Vitamins	p. 64
Nutrition Tips for Teachers	p. 65
Dehydration Hurts Learning	p. 66
Hydration's Importance to the Mind	p. 66
About Hydration	p. 67
Action Steps	p. 68
The Final Word	p. 69
The Roles of Smell and Acoustics in Learning	p. 70
Create an Optimal Environment for Learning	p. 71
Aromas May Boost Attention and Learning	p. 72
Impact of Negative Ionization	p. 73
The Role of Acoustics in Learning	p. 73
Music's Effects on the Mind-Body	p. 74
Incorporating Music in the Classroom	p. 76
Beneficial Music Selections	p. 78
Music as a Carrier to the Nonconscious	p. 79
The Role of Emotions in Learning	p. 81
The New Paradigm: "Emotional Logic"	p. 82
The Chemistry of Emotion	p. 83
Are Feelings and Emotions the Same?	p. 84
Dissecting an Emotion	p. 84
The Amazing Amygdala	p. 85
Hot Buttons and the Amygdala	p. 86
Emotions as Mind-Body States	p. 88
Outlets for Expression	p. 89
The Thinking Tool of Emotions	p. 89
Learning Has to Feel Right	p. 92
Neuroscientific Perspective on Teaching and Learning	p. 95
Teacher Communication	p. 96
A Teacher's Influence on a Classroom	p. 97
Teacher Authority and Credibility	p. 99
Teacher Congruency	p. 100
Teacher Appearance	p. 101
Tight Teacher Control	p. 101
Learner Expectations	p. 102
Altering Learner Behavior	p. 103
Generally More Effective Communication Methods	p. 103
Generally Less Effective Communication Methods	p. 104
Forced Silence and Class Inactivity	p. 104
The Climate Can Be Highly Active	p. 105
The Nonconscious Learning Climate	p. 106
Some Learning Is Automatic	p. 107
The Power of Nonconscious Learning	p. 107
More on "Suggestion"	p. 108
Teaching Tips for Optimizing Nonconscious Learning	p. 110
Motivation and Rewards	p. 113
Learned Helplessness	p. 114
Changes in the Brain	p. 115
Conditions and Constraints	p. 115
Unlearning Learned Helplessness	p. 116
Excessive Praise Is Detrimental	p. 117
Motivation and Rewards	p. 118
Rewards and the Human Brain	p. 120
The Detrimental Effects of Rewards	p. 121
Strategies for Eliciting Intrinsic Motivation	p. 122
Rewarded Actions Lose Appeal	p. 125
Should You Ever Use Rewards?	p. 126
Alternatives for Bribery and Rewards	p. 127
What the Reward Proponents Say	p. 127
Replacing Rewards With Learning	p. 128
Goal Setting Increases Performance	p. 129
Personal Agency Beliefs	p. 129
Previsualization Boosts Learning	p. 131
Inspiring Optimal Motivation	p. 131
Attention and Survival Value	p. 133
Making Meaning	p. 134
Attention Shifts	p. 135
Optimal State for Learning	p. 135
The Best State for Learning	p. 136
Matching Challenge and Mastery	p. 136
What Brain Waves Can Tell Us	p. 137
Teaching How to Think	p. 141
What Exactly Is Thinking, Anyway?	p. 142
Factors That Influence Thinking	p. 142
Environment	p. 143
Will/Volition	p. 143
Life Experience	p. 144
Genes	p. 144
Life Choices	p. 144
Teaching Thinking	p. 145
Brain Activated by Problem Solving	p. 147
Eye Movements and Thinking	p. 148
The Use of Creative Problem Solving	p. 150
Problem-Solving Strategies	p. 151
The Role of Intuition in the Thinking Process	p. 151
Memory and Creating Patterns of Meaning	p. 154
How Memory Works	p. 155
Where Memories Live	p. 156
Long-Term Potentiation: What Is It?	p. 158
Chemicals Impact Memory	p. 158
Memory Is State Dependent	p. 159
The Role of Glucose in Memory Formation	p. 161
Sleep Time's Effect on Memory	p. 161
Memory Pathways	p. 163
Engaging Multiple Memory Pathways	p. 164
Other Influences on Recall	p. 165
The BEM Principle	p. 165
Study Skills Mastery	p. 167
Importance of Pre-exposure	p. 168
Mind Mapping	p. 168
How Mind Mapping Aids Learning	p. 169
Stages of Optimal Learning	p. 170
Acquisition	p. 171
Elaboration	p. 172
Memory Formation	p. 173
New Learning Maps	p. 174
Meaning Making	p. 177
Types of Meaning	p. 178
What Triggers a Sense of Meaning?	p. 180
Relevance	p. 180
Emotions	p. 181
Context	p. 182
Role-Plays and Games Enhance Meaning	p. 185
Framing Enhances Meaning	p. 186
Brain-Compatible Classrooms	p. 187
Enriching the Brain	p. 188
Growing a "Better" Brain	p. 189
A Biological Look at Enrichment	p. 190
Human Neurogenesis Is Possible	p. 192
The Keys to Enrichment	p. 192
Novel Learning	p. 192
Feedback Spurs Learning	p. 195
Activating More of the Brain	p. 196
What Have We Learned?	p. 196
How Much Enrichment?	p. 197
Changing the Brain-On Purpose!	p. 198
Enriching the Environment	p. 199
Curriculum in a Brain-Compatible Classroom	p. 200
Curriculum With the Brain in Mind	p. 203
Brain-Compatible Curriculum	p. 203
Social Fluency	p. 203
Personal Development	p. 205
Artistic Expression	p. 206
Information Literacy	p. 208
Scientific Inquiry	p. 209
Planning With the Brain in Mind	p. 210
Immersion-Style, Multipath Learning	p. 211
Brain-Based Planning Strategies	p. 214
The Seven Stages of Brain-Based Planning	p. 215
Integrating Brain-Based Learning in the Classroom	p. 218
Pre-Exposure and Priming	p. 218
Sufficient Time for Learning	p. 218
Low or No Threat	p. 218
Prep for Final Performance	p. 218
High Engagement	p. 218
Positive Emotional Engagement	p. 219
Learner Choice	p. 219
Moderate to High Challenge	p. 219
Strong Peer Support	p. 219
Mastery Goals	p. 219
Sufficient Nonlearning Time	p. 220
Balancing Novelty and Predictability	p. 220
Safe for Taking Risks	p. 220
Moderate Stress	p. 220
Alternating Low to High Energy	p. 220
Multimodal Input	p. 221
Frequent Feedback	p. 221
Celebrate the Learning	p. 221
Environment With the Brain in Mind	p. 221
Strategies for Achieving a Brain-Based Environment	p. 221
Acknowledgment of Value	p. 221
Everyone Feels Cared For	p. 222
Freedom of Expression	p. 222
Encourage Affiliation	p. 222
Accountability	p. 222
Hope of Success	p. 222
Orchestrated Common Experiences	p. 222
Physically Safe Environment	p. 222
Trust of Others	p. 223
Consistency of Structure	p. 223
Assessment With the Brain in Mind	p. 224
Assessment Styles Not Working	p. 225
Mistakes in the Evaluation Process	p. 226
Pushing for Higher Standards Without the Necessary Resources	p. 226
Lockstep Testing Ignores Brain Development	p. 227
Short-Term Testing Ignores How the Brain Learns	p. 228
Most Testing Ignores Building-Block Learning	p. 228
Most Testing Ignores Real-World Applications	p. 229
Overview of Brain-Based Assessment	p. 229
Authentic Assessment	p. 230
Content	p. 230
Emotions	p. 232
Context	p. 232
Processing	p. 233
Embodiment	p. 233
Ideas for Assessing Authentic Learning	p. 233
Focusing on Feedback	p. 237
Improving Test Scores	p. 239
Tips for Boosting Test Scores	p. 239
Brain-Based Reform	p. 241
Hallmarks of Brain-Based Reform	p. 242
Ways of Improving Student Achievement	p. 242
Environmental Control for Learner Achievement	p. 243
Fatal Paths to Avoid	p. 244
Include the Brain in the Reform	p. 244
Seven Steps to Transforming Your School Into a Learning Organization	p. 246
Assessing the Learning Community	p. 249
Becoming a Local Expert	p. 250
References	p. 251
Index	p. 259
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.