Brain Centered Learning: Exploring the path

-
Written by Bayo Adekola

Photocredit - katrinaallangba

Everyone knows that the brain controls all activities in the body including learning. The goal of learning is first to remember what is taught, connect and then it can be applied. If you don't remember and connect with the knowledge, you will likely not apply it.

I learnt recently about brain centered learning. I'm doing a lot of learning lately. Learning professionals should constantly learn. It is the first word in our title "learning"........: so it should come first. Here are the basic principles used in brain centered learning; the focus is to ensure recall and connection so that there is real life application.

1. Use emotions: Who isn't moved by emotions?   Emotions draw from previous experiences and allow for comparison, analysis and facilitates thinking too. When you can reach out to previous experiences, learning just got exciting.

2. Assure repetition:Think of one song you didn't like but due to constant repetition you started singing and eventually liked. Say it, say it and say it. Repetition makes things register in our brain. How many of us sang the national anthem everyday through primary to secondary school? I'm sure you sing it by default now.

3. Make it sensory rich: You might forget what you hear but you will surely remember what you see, touch, smell and feel. Learning should be sensory rich to move information from short-term to long-term memory. Why do you think you will remember the person with the red shirt rather than the one with white? Red is sensory rich. Check out children classes; they are so colourful. The same principle applies to social media: you see, think, reply, type, watch, laugh, share and remember. All in one brain centered activity.

4. Focus: The brain needs focus and learning can only occur when there is focus. That's why we have subjects. There is power in focus. Focus on the learning objective, subject matter or image makes a huge difference. This gives time for processing. A well-made meal takes time; our brain needs time to process. That is what focus does.

5. Creation rather than consumption: Which will you remember? What you created OR what you were read about? You will remember vividly what you created or did. Ask  someone who just made a meal and you will see that the time and actions taken allow for better recall and connection rather than the one who just consumed.

6. Build on existing knowledge: It boils down to emotions too. We connect with experiences and experiences bring about emotions whether good or bad. Who will not remember their first love? Laugh off

I think I just used brain centered learning; I summarised what I learnt.

Join me next time as we explore more on brain centered learning. It is not rocket science.

Happy reading


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Psychology of the Modern Day Learner

-
Image
Infographic by Deloitte Everything is not about technology; for the modern day learner I believe technology is not the real problem. Technology has improved learning considerable but do we know the modern day learner? It transcends the generational types; it is our interest, beliefs, motivation and values. Culture is a way of life and whether we agree or not, we all have a culture. If not personal, we have in our work places, communities, states or countries. It might be unwritten but we know it, we feel it and we see it everyday; though we are advocates of globalization. Who is the modern day learner? The modern day learner is aware that learning is important but hardly has the time for learning. He or she wants to learn but cannot spend hours pouring over materials either hard or soft copy. The modern day learners know what they want. Besides, they have Google to the rescue. The modern day learner is in search of real time information without stress; why learn when I
Read more

Happy Reflection Year

-
Happy New Year! We are thankful for 2021and hopeful for a relief. One thing people continue to talk about is the need for things to return to normalcy. The change has been exhausting; from working from home, home schooling, increasing use of digital solutions and concerns about health. That is a lot to deal with I must confess. The good part is that we have found ways to adapt, prioritize and be better people despite everything. We became more humane and thoughtful towards ourselves and others. As it is usual for the start of the year, everyone is quick to plan, make resolutions and jump into action. Good as  it may seem, it is way more important to reflect. Reflection on the past, the present and the future. You may ask,” what do I reflect on? How do I reflect? How does reflection help with ensuring a purposeful year? What do I reflect on? Successes, areas of improvement, priorities, values, commitments, goals, personal life, relationships, friendships, family and career How do I ref
Read more

Using your internal talent as trainers

-
Image
Every year organizations spend money on consultants for a whole lot of things and training is not left out.   We go through rigorous processes to select the best. I will like to see things from another perspective and that is developing trainers within the organization. You will spend but trust me not as much when using external consultants in the long run. Let me be frank with you; THE BEST RESOURCES ARE WITHIN YOUR ORGANIZATION . They understand the system, people and culture within the organization. What we see is that a lot of organization shy away from this wealth of resource and continue on a ride with too many consultants. Tips for using internal talent as trainers 1. Determine the competencies required for each job role. Nothing complex. 2. Categorize the training offerings that will address the required competencies. Those trainings that can be facilitated by internal talents and external consultants. 3. Design a simple framework for utilizing internal talent
Read more