Connecting Brain Research with Dimensions of learning

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Connecting Brain Research with Dimensions of
learning
Steven Varrassi
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Objective

• Students will learn about Brain Based Learning
  and the Five Dimensions of Learning model.
• To prove you learned something I would like
  students to give their reactions, through an AH
  HA, Oh No, or HMMM moment.

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Brain Based Learning?

• What is Brain Based learning
• Learning about the brain to better design
  effective classroom environments
• Scientists and researchers are making exciting
  new discoveries related to how the brain
  processes and stores information. (Sousa, 1998)
• This research has potential to unlock the mystery
  of learning itself.
• Our brain functions best under certain
  conditions...and when we factor these conditions
  into the design and learning process, we increase
  the success of the learning experience.

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Humans have aproxiamatley 100 billion brain cells

• it is not the number of these neurons but the
  connections between them that is important for
  learning because learning occurs when neurons
  connect, or in other words, when we form neural
  networks in our brain. The more connected these
  neurons are, the better we learn. If we dont
  have a neural network for a certain thing, it
  simply doesnt exist for us. Thats why its
  difficult to grasp new concepts at first -- our
  brain lacks the neural network.
• This describes the brain as an equal
  opportunity organ

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So, What Im saying is?

• Learning is best achieved when linked with the
  learners previous knowledge, experience, or
  understanding of a given subject or concept.
• Our brain is like a computer, it must be
  formatted
• Knowing this can help you realize why it might
  take a student a longer time to grasp a new
  concept.

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Learning involves our brain, emotions, and heart

• Brain researchers agree that all learning
  involves our brain, our emotions, and health. In
  other words, we learn with our mind, heart, and
  body.
• How does this relate to teaching?
• We need to make sure that each student has the
  optimal requirements for learning attentive
  brains, positive feelings and healthy bodies.

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Dimensions of Learning

• Its premise is that five types of thinking --
  what we call the five dimensions of learning --
  are essential to successful learning.
• Dimensions of Learning is a comprehensive model
  that uses what researchers and theorists know
  about learning to define the learning process.

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Dimension OnePositive attitudes

• Students attitudes and perceptions serve as
  filters that enhance or inhibit natural learning.
• When a person feels threatened, chemicals are
  released that can impair memory and learning

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Dimension TwoAcquiring and Integrating knowledge

• Learning new information must occur within the
  context of what the learner already knows and
  must be adequately assimiliated so that the
  information can be used easily in new situations
• Like a computer saving files, The Word Docs with
  the Word Docs, the pictures in the picture
  folder.
• Learning occurs through the growth of nueral
  connections. The More you repeat the better you
  learn.

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Dimension ThreeExtending and refining knowledge

• This requires examining things in a deeper more
  analytical way.
• Comparing, classifying, inducing, deducing,
  analyzing errors, constructing support,
  abstracting, and analyzing perspective. (Marzano,
  1992)
• Brain is now using multiple and complex systems
  of retrieval and integration (Lowery, 1998)

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Dimension FourUsing Knowledge Meaningfully

• We learn best when we need information to
  accomplish a goal.
• In this dimension students apply information in
  activities that require them to make decisions,
  investigate, conduct experiments, and solve real
  world problems.
• This is said to activate the area in the brain
  that is responsible for higher order thinking

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Dimension Four (continued)

• Teachers must pair physical activities with
  problem solving tasks to connect the acting
  modules of the brain with the thinking
  modules.
• This increases memory and learning, thereby
  modifying brain structures.

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Dimension FiveHabits of mind

• The most effective learners have developed
  powerful habits of mind that enable them to think
  critically, think creatively, and regulate their
  behavior

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Critical thinking

• Be accurate and seek accuracy
• Be clear and seek clarity
• Maintain an open mind
• Restrain impulsivity
• Take a position when the situation warrants it
• Respond appropriately to others' feelings and
  level of knowledge

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Creative thinking

• Persevere
• Push the limits of your knowledge and abilities
• Generate, trust, and maintain your own standards
  of evaluation
• Generate new ways of viewing a situation that are
  outside the boundaries of standard conventions

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Self regulated thinking

• Monitor your own thinking
• Plan appropriately
• Identify and use necessary resources
• Respond appropriately to feedback
• Evaluate the effectiveness of your actions