Monday 9 January 2017

BRAIN RESEARCH

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 

Thursday, 5th January 2017

Task 1 - Brain Research 

We learn something new about brain research today during our PD lessons. It's about Neuroplasticity.
What does Neuroplasticity means?
According to researchers, brains are not rigid at birth, but plastic - having the ability to change structure and chemistry in response to the environment. That plasticity means that intelligence is at least partially determined by environment, other factors such as nutrition, prior learning, life experiences and even beliefs and values.

I also found out that our brain needs a break.  It doesn't shut down overnight but in fact, catching some zzz 's (sleep) can dramatically improve learning.  So, a poor night's sleep can actually hurt our ability to remember new things. It seems like in order for our brain to function well, it also needs his rest n break just like our physical body.

How does learning about brain research help educators like us?  What can a classroom teachers do?  Is the fuss about brain research justified?
David Sousa, an educational consultant, presented an interpretation that might influence educational practice. He provides these following recommendations based on research.

  • A stimulating environment creates more connections in the brain, so teachers must take advantage of the windows of opportunity that occur in children between the ages of 2 and 11 by providing an enriched and challenging educational environment.
  • Windows of opportunity are critical periods in the brain's development, when the brain is most susceptible to input and most receptive to establishing neural connections that foster memory and learning.
  • The brain makes the most neural connections when it is actively involved in learning, therefore, learning should be multisensory and interactive.
  • Activities that involve emotion trigger the release of chemicals in the brain that strengthen memory, so learning must be made meaningful to each student.
  • The human brain strives to create connections or patterns, so learning should build on prior knowledge.
  • The brain's hierarchy of tasks starts with physical survival, moves to emotional survival, and only then turns to thinking and learning; students must feel physically safe and emotionally secure before they can learn.


1 comment:

  1. Aaini, in your daily interactions with students, how can you help them to 'grow their brains'?

    ReplyDelete