An Introduction to Brain Based Learning

Summary

The human brain, with its 100 billion neurons, continues to form new connections throughout our lives. The study of the brain dates back to ancient times, with Hippocrates and early medical texts like the Edwin Smith Surgical Papyrus laying foundational knowledge. Brain-based learning, a theory that emerged in the 1990s, integrates principles from neuroscience and education to improve student engagement and achievement. It emphasizes creating safe, stimulating environments, offering immersive experiences, and fostering active participation. Methods like trial and error, interactive curriculums, and personalized teaching approaches further support this learning model, making it particularly effective for real-world applications like corporate training.

Takeaways

• 😀 The human brain contains around 100 billion neurons, comparable to the number of stars in the Milky Way galaxy.
• 😀 Neurons continue to form and change connections throughout human life, constantly being created, strengthened, or removed.
• 😀 The study of the brain dates back to ancient times, with the Edwin Smith Surgical Papyrus from around 3000 BCE documenting brain injuries and their effects.
• 😀 Hippocrates proposed the idea in 400 BCE that the brain is the center of intelligence and sensation.
• 😀 Over centuries, different scientific disciplines like behavioral neural biology, biochemistry, cognitive psychology, and neuroscience have developed to study the brain.
• 😀 Brain-based learning first appeared in the 1990 article 'Understanding a Brain-Based Approach to Learning and Teaching' by Renata Numela Kane and Jeffrey Kane.
• 😀 Pioneers of brain-based learning theory include Eric Jensen, Richard Boyatzis, Daniel Goleman, and others.
• 😀 While brain-based learning methods are often supported by neuroscience, it's challenging to directly prove research findings within an educational context.
• 😀 Studies show that brain-based learning methods can improve student achievement, attitudes, and engagement.
• 😀 Key principles of brain-based learning include promoting a relaxed and engaging learning environment, providing rich and immersive experiences, and allowing active and passive processing through participation and reflection.

Q & A

What is the approximate number of neurons in the human brain?

The human brain contains around 100 billion neurons, which is comparable to the number of stars in the Milky Way galaxy.

Do neurons continue to develop throughout a human's life?

Yes, humans continue to produce neurons throughout their lives, and the connections between neurons are constantly being created, strengthened, weakened, or removed.

What is the oldest known medical text related to the brain?

The oldest known medical text related to the brain is the Edwin Smith Surgical Papyrus, which dates from the 16th or 17th century BCE. It transcribes the writings of a field surgeon from around 3000 BCE who observed brain injuries.

What significant proposal did Hippocrates make about the brain?

Around 400 BCE, Hippocrates proposed that the brain was the center of intelligence and was involved in all sensation.

What is brain-based learning?

Brain-based learning refers to teaching strategies informed by neuroscience research, focusing on how the brain learns and processes information. The term first appeared in print in a 1990 article by Renata Numela Kane and Jeffrey Kane.

Which researchers and educators have contributed to the development of brain-based learning theory?

Pioneers of brain-based learning theory include Eric Jensen, Richard Boyatzis, Daniel Goleman, Kenneth Rhee, David Souza, and many other researchers and educators.

What criticisms have been made about the connection between neuroscience and educational practices?

One criticism is that it can be difficult to prove neuroscience research findings within an educational environment, even though there are links between neuroscience research and learning theory.

What are the three key principles of brain-based learning?

The three key principles of brain-based learning are: 1) promote relaxed alertness through a safe and engaging learning environment, 2) provide immersive and rich experiences, and 3) allow active and passive processing through participation, reflection, and breaks.

How do brain-based learning techniques support learning?

Brain-based learning techniques, such as trial and error, interactive curricula, and personable teachers, support learning by encouraging experimentation, engagement, and social interaction, as well as providing repeated opportunities for practice and reflection.

How is brain-based learning ideal for professional training courses?

Brain-based learning is particularly effective for courses that focus on communication and conflict resolution in corporate settings, where students need to apply principles to real-world situations. It encourages interaction, reflection, and engagement while reducing stress and maintaining challenge.