Brain Based Learning Approach and Learning StrategyBrain based learning provides an approach on developing teaching strategies based on recent research and study of the brain. The theory does not lead to a single teaching method but provides a framework for parents and teachers to consider some of the methodologies to maximize learning. Researchers theorize that human brain is constantly searching for meaning and seeking connections. Learning engages entire physiology, involves conscious and unconscious process as well as attention and perception. Skills and facts are best remembered when it is embedded in spatial memory. Conditions of learning environment do help to optimize the learning process. One of the conditions is to provide a challenging and yet unthreatening environment for a child to learn. Challenges stimulate a child's mind for alertness to learn. Personally, I always challenge my daughter on her ability to solve math problem. It involves monitoring her progress on each level before setting a goal to proceed to the next level. This is to ensure there is no stress to push her to learn. I would say she is highly motivated because she views the difficulty in solving math problem as a challenge instead of a threat. Of course, my praise to her plays an important positive reinforcement too. Though providing a relaxed environment that removes a child's fear of failure is important but sadly this is not widely adoptable in the school system in the Asia countries where I stay. The highly stressful examination system where the best academic students are identified and glorified had turn off many children the interest in learning. Brain based learning also advocates creating an environment where students immersed fully in the learning experience. It must provide the learners a complex and interactive experience. One good example is learning a language. We are an Asian family and English is our main spoken language at home. We have made a conscious decision to send our children to a Chinese school where Mandarin is the main spoken and written language. It has been a struggle for my kids to pick up Mandarin in the beginning. Through their daily interactive experiences with friends and teachers in school, they have managed to learn the language well. I am glad that they will grow up to be proficient in at least both languages. In order to maximize learning, it is equally important to give a child opportunity to continually and actively process information, internalizes, consolidate and relate it. That is to make meaning through experience learning. Field trips, kids’ activities, educational games and real-life projects are some of the teaching strategies that enhance brain based learning. Return from Brain Based Learning to Kids Activities Learning Games |
