SCOPE OF BRAIN-BASED
LEARNING
Scope
of Brain‑Based Learning
Definition: "Brain‑Based
learning is a dynamic, interdisciplinary, system‑wide approach based on
the way current research in neuroscience suggests our brain naturally learns
best."
It
impacts five major areas:
Instructional Strategies Principles
include:
1)
Integration of mind‑body learning
2)
Strong learner choices offered
3)
Emphasis on novelty, ritual and challenge
4)
Greater use of natural memory
5)
More immediate learner feedback
6)
Multi‑Path strategies
7)
Emphasis on nonconscious processing
8)
Learner‑constructed meaning
The
Environment Principles include:
1) Create
a secure, safe environment with an absence of threat
2) Use
of collaborative, trusting relationships
3) Make
it physically comfortable
4) Rich,
real‑life and multi-sensory
5) Greater
time flexibility
Curriculum
Principles are:
1) Integrated,
multi‑disciplinary thematic content
2) More
relevant, real‑life learning
3) Greater
learner choice
4) Longer
time on fewer, more complex topics
5) Process
mastery as part of learning goals.
Assessment
Principles include:
1) Demonstration
of solid content mastery
2) Defense
of personal biases
3) Demonstration
of the interdisciplinary relationships
4) Revelation
of mental models
5) Revelation
of personal relevance or, when appropriate, of local, national or global
relevance
6) Specific
"how‑to" strategies
7) Observable
behavior changes
Organizational
Structures Principles are:
1) Clarity
and unity of purpose
2) Learning
as the primary priority
3) Institutionalized,
self‑correcting systems
4) Environment
of safety and dialogue
5) Support
of staff and learner for personal and
professional growth development
6) A Bottom‑up driven, non‑bureaucratic management method system‑wide buy‑in of the methodology of brain‑based learning
