Brain Rules by John Medina

The brain appears to be designed to solve problems related to surviving in an unstable outdoor environment and to do so in nearly constant motion. (p.31 and 32)

EXERCISE Rule #1 – Exercise boosts brain power. It’s no secret, exercise makes you feel better, and when you feel better, you are better equipped to perform at your best. Your brain function goes up, and your risk factor for health problems goes down.

SURVIVAL Rule #2 – The human brain evolved, too. Humans have survived this long because we have the ability to use our brains in ways that no other creature (EVER) has been able to. Dual Representational Theory -or- symbolic reasoning

WIRING Rule #3 – Every brain is wired differently. All brains are not created equal, alike, or with similar tendencies. Think about your preferences. Think about how you learn. Think about how you think. It’s not the same as the person sitting next to you, across from you, or behind you. It’s not even the same as your mom’s.

ATTENTION Rule #4 – We don’t pay attention to boring things. It is influenced by memory, interest, awareness, emotions, and meaning (before details). We truly cannot multitask effectively or efficiently when we are trying to pay attention. Q: Can you text a friend and still take notes on a lecture? Are you still paying attention now?

SHORT-TERM MEMORY Rule #5 – Repeat to remember. 90% of what you learn in class is forgotten in 30 days, and most of that is within the first few hours after class. This is why it is important to review your notes and read NIGHTLY!!

LONG-TERM MEMORY Rule #6 – Remember to repeat. Ever try to get someone’s phone number? What happens if you are unable to repeat it after it’s given? If you don’t remember to repeat it (or are unable to), then it is lost forever. Same with learning and studying. Incorporate new information gradually and repeat it in timed intervals.

SLEEP Rule #7 – Sleep well, think well. You need your sleep!!! Sleep helps us “download information” from the day into our brains. Are you a night owl or a morning lark? Whichever it is, that is the optimum time for you to work. Afternoon naps are universal.

STRESS Rule #8 – Stressed brains don’t learn the same way. Not everyone handles stress in the same way. Home life DOES affect school performance (children/students) and work productivity (adults). Chronic stress can cripple your ability to learn and remember.

SENSORY INTEGRATION Rule #9 – Stimulate more of the senses. Ever notice how a smell can bring back a memory? What about hearing an old song? All senses work together to form a memory, which can be different from person to person experiencing the same situation, because your senses act and react according to you and your past experiences alone.

VISION Rule #10 – Vision trumps all other senses. Why can “beautiful” people get away with such outlandish behavior? Because they are pretty and we overlook everything else that our senses are screaming at us about their bad behavior. Why do you think I’ve included so many pictures with this powerpoint? Vision helps you to remember, or at least, it tries. It’s not always 100% accurate.

GENDER Rule #11 – Male and female brains are different. In any situation, women understand the emotional details, while men understand the gist. Women are genetically more complex than men, due to genes and chromosomes.

EXPLORATION Rule #12 – We are powerful and natural explorers. For proof of this, look at any young child. Look at and learn about the world from their eyes. We are curious about the world and want to explore it from birth. Curiosity drives us. We can’t help it. But it needs to be encouraged in schools and workplaces. We can continuously learn new things up until we die.