Stimulating the Learning Organ

How People Learn The Learning Organ

James Zull Our Training Must be Based on Research

Apply This Research to Your Training Think of something you teach Check it against these brain-based learning ideas

Brains are Designed for Survival Survival Reproduction DataInformation It feels good Action Scan the environment

It’s the Same for Learning We only pay attention to what we perceive as useful to us DataInformationAction Scan the environment Learning must be authentic and realistic Inspire your students!

Brain-Based Learning Principles There is no other sort! The brain is the learning organ Each brain is unique and complex Everyone will learn in their own way It’s physical - neurons need to connect to existing neurons Need to build on something known Concrete examples are best Disconnecting neurons is difficult It’s hard to undo a wrong concept

Brain Research Tells us How People Learn All learning is brain-based. There is no other sort of learning! Each brain is unique Everyone will learn in their own way Neurons need to connect to existing neurons Need to build on something known Concrete examples are best Disconnecting neurons is difficult It’s hard to undo a wrong concept (Constructivist theory)

Information = Understanding

Remember these! Important Brain Locations Nucleus basali Amygdala Septum Globus pallidus Hypothalamus Nucleus accumbus Chemicals Acetylcholine Dopamine Enkephalins Endorphins Adrenaline

All learning involves emotions and feelings We are social animals Multiply 67 x47 = 3049 = 3149

Surface (shallow) Learners Exam Time Pass mark Learning Deep Learners

Motivation Extrinsic (external) Intrinsic (internal) Authentic, realistic training and assessment

The Learning Cycle Sense SenseIntegrateAct

Sense SenseIntegrateAct Preferred Data observations, facts ideas, concepts Preferred Sense visual verbal Preferred Organisation inductive / constructivist never deductive Preferred Action physical reflective How we gain understanding sequential global No engagement = no input = no learning! No action = no learning! This Fits Nicely with the Felder Model

SenseIntegrateAct Preferred Data observations, facts ideas, concepts Preferred Sense visual verbal Preferred Action physical reflective How we gain understanding sequential global No engagement = no input = no learning! Visual Verbal Intrapersonal Interpersonal Maths-logic Physical Nature Music No action = no learning! and Fits Nicely with Multiple Intelligences

and with Kolb’s Learning Circle Model Abstract hypothesis SenseIntegrateAct Active testing Reflective observation Concrete experience

This Doesn’t Work. Don’t Do It

Learning Requires Engagement and Action Tell the person next to you one thing from this session that you could apply to improve your teaching