Brain Compatible Learning

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Brain Compatible Learning
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The Amazing Human Brain

• A child's brain is not a smaller version of an
  adult brain. During the time at our school the
  children's brains will go through many stages of
  development.
• Although the human brain is designed for survival
  it has "an awesome capacity to learn."
• The pathways of the brain gradually acquire a
  sheath of MYELIN. This helps the messages travel
  through the brain's system.
• Until myelination is complete the brain is not
  fully developed. Therefore there is no value in
  asking a child to perform learning tasks that
  they are not biologically ready to do.
• Boys, because of muscle density and hormones,
  take longer to myelinate the brain's pathways.

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Enrichment

• Studies with children show that mental
  stimulation has a lasting effect in increasing
  intelligence.
• Teaching which connects to previous knowledge,
  skills and understanding will be the most
  effective.

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The Triune Brain
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The Neo-cortex

• the academic brain where higher order thinking
  skills take place. Divided into two hemispheres.

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TOP TIPS

• Show how work connects.
• Use novel artefacts.
• WIIFM
• Provide input for all the senses, decision
  making, choices, open ended tasks.
• Short bursts of concentration.
• Use guided visualisations, role play, music,
  display of relevant material just above eye
  level.
• Use varied materials and reinforcement
  activities.
• Give regular feedback, build in ways of using
  peer or self feedback.

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The limbic System
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The seat of the emotions and the sense of self
identity and values. Regulates long term memory
and attention.
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Where self esteem develops
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If children learn to believe that they can be
capable learners they will have the self esteem
and motivation for successful learning.

• Help each child to build a sense of identity as a
  learner
• Plan activities that will lead to success and not
  failure.
• Value every body's contributions.

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Children need to believe that what they are
learning is worth while and personally relevant.
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REMEMBER
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WIIFM

• "What's in it for me?"

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CITV

• Connect into their Values
• What is interesting and important to them?

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The more emotion attached to any experience the
more memorable it becomes. Children learn most
effectively when the teacher engages their
emotions.
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The Reptilian brain
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Takes charge of survival functions. can shut down
the rest of the brain's thinking when under
stress.
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The reptilian brain has to be satisfied before
learning can take place- in fact it is
biologically impossible.

• Affected by physical conditions, hunger, thirst,
  temperature too high/low, discomfort, poor light,
  overcrowding, isolation.
• Emotional Conditions. Affected by anxiety/fear,
  poor self esteem, sense of isolation, insecurity,
  personal worries, a sense of unfairness.
• Collectively these are stress.

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• Encourage the children to believe in themselves
  and their ability to learn.

Celebrate success
Take every opportunity to identify and
acknowledge progress.
Value work and achievement
Believe in the children as learners
Making sure that the children know learning is
the purpose of your lessons, and a sense of how
far this has been accomplished.
Raise self esteem and encourage self-evaluation.
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Right and Left Brain

• The brain is divided into two hemispheres.
• These are joined by a bridge to allow
  communication.
• The left brain oversees language, logic and
  number.
• The right brain is non-verbal and intuitive.
• Effective learning takes place when both sides
  are working together.

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Which side of your brain is dominant?
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Action Plan

• What changes will you make to your classroom to
  reflect what you know about the brain?
• What changes will you make to the way you teach?
• What changes do we need to make at a whole school
  level?