How to Use Brain-Based Learning in Designing Lessons

Classroom

Brain-based learning is based on a theory that if the structure and function of the brain are not hindered from fulfilling their normal tasks, learning will happen. It's often said that everyone can learn, when the truer statement is that everyone does learn all the time. Everyone has a brain that is an enormously powerful processor of information. Unfortunately, many traditional school practices discourage learning by inhibiting, ignoring or punishing the normal learning functions of the brain.

Things You'll Need

• Class Visual aids Activities Lesson plan

Instructions

Planning Brain-Based Lessons

1. Plan to have the class fully immersed in a culture that it's studying, not only for language studies. In the case of a science lesson, for example, arrange for students to be taught the science using the target language for the textbooks and instruction. This appeals to the parallel processing ability of the brain by having students listen and acquire language while being taught other subjects by that language. Immerse learners in complex, interactive experiences that are both rich and real, such as speaking, reading and listening, all in the target language.

2. Provide an atmosphere in which students know that if there is a learning problem that they can approach the teacher for help. A precept of brain-based learning is that, in planning lessons, teachers should try to eliminate the fear of failure or bad grades in their learners. Teachers can provide assistance and instruction in all facets of the lesson. In this way students will know that they have a safety net if they are in danger of failure and will have the opportunity to receive extra tutoring in areas of need.

3. Provide real-world examples in your lesson. Make the content of the lesson apply to your students. Students thrive in learning if they have the desired state of alertness. This state of alertness comes when students "get it." That is, that they can see a concept for what it is and how it applies to them. In planning lessons, a teacher must use tools that are brain-friendly. A teacher should know that the best way to learn is not to be lectured but to take part in activities that allow learners to try new things in safety.

4. Model the lesson and allow the learner to internalize the information while doing it. Teach a writing lesson by writing a task and asking students to write it at the same time. Use the blackboard or an overhead projector, and write the task as you explain to your students how to do it. Explain what and why you are doing it as you do it and ask students to apply the same strategy to their work.

5. Have a brainstorming session in the lesson in which you discuss with students the different ways to approach a problem and learning in general. This enables the students to actively process their experiences in your lesson. Provide feedback from your own experience, rather than from a textbook. People learn best when solving real problems. Don't try to withhold information that is necessary because the big picture cannot be removed from the details.

6. Learning styles differ and everyone learns at a different pace. Teachers should plan to allow different paces of learning in their plans. And finally, brain-based learning is not didactic or quiet, so laughter happens on the way to solving problems. Core bases behind brain-based learning suggest that the brain is a parallel processor that can perform several activities simultaneously. Learning needs to involve the whole body, and the search for meaning is an inborn desire that comes through patterning, in that each facet relates to the whole. Each brain is unique and therefore planning needs to take into account each person's unique perspective.

Tips & Warnings

• Set your boundaries with students before beginning.

• Some students may get the wrong idea and believe they can misbehave.

References

• Brain Lesson Planning

Resources

• Brain-Based