Bruce Perry authors an interesting article In Instructor Magazine entitled “How the Brain Learns Best” where he “describes how to gain optimal learning in the classroom by activating different parts of the brain” [abstract]. He says that “neural systems fatigue quickly, actually within minutes. With three to five minutes of sustained activity, neurons become ‘less responsive’ ” but the good news is that similar to our muscles, neurons also recover within minutes, too. So the trick suggested by this article is to keep the learning novel by changing the method, the strategies, the visuals, anything really to provide the learner variety as long as it is well connected to the concepts. Perry calls this teaching practice the “bob and weave, among facts, concept, and narrative.” This article is valuable as it posits an argument for leaving the old world lecture style teaching and embracing the new world of technological possibilities in engaging students.
Perry, B. (2000). How the brain learns best. Instructor, v110 n4 p34-35. Retrieved from
Rahul Thadani published the article, “Information Processing Theory” on Buzzle.com and it offers a very good, simple overview of the how the brain processes information according to contemporary research and psychology. Thadani summarizes several major models of information processing and the more recent theories in plain English including defining some large concepts in simple words. I found this article a nice little reinforcement of complex learning theories since it actually modeled the notion of teaching to the “schema” for organizing content into student's long term memory; this succinct little article makes a quick path in.
Thadani, R. (2010). Information processing theory. Retrieved from
Shelia, I learned the importance of learning how the brain works. Before I never really gave this much thought but knowing this information not only helps you to know how you learn but it also help you to know how others learn best. As an instructional designer it is very important to know this critical information in order to be successful. The mind is amazing thing.
ReplyDeleteHi Sheila
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your posting and also the link on information processing. I was wondering what are your thoughts on the following speech:
http://www.ted.com/talks/ken_robinson_says_schools_kill_creativity.html
I found this video rather interesting.
Hi Shelia
ReplyDeleteInformation processing
theeory is quite an interesting study.I noticed that you said that the long term memory is a scary place to be. This in my opinion is a great place to be. information stored in the long term memory can be retrieved when needed. for example one may information stored in the brain from childhood. It may seem forgotten but one day something strange may happen and that information stored in the longterm memory would just be retrieved. If it is something pleasant the emotion will help the learner. If unpleasant it may affect the leaner and the presenter will have to work around the situation to assit the learner to refocuss and move on.
Yesterday I listened to a 99 year old woman repeat poems from childhood. These poems must have been stored in the longterm memory and was retrieved at that special moment her birthday.
HI Sheila,
ReplyDeleteInteresting concept the "Bob and Weave". I'm all for stearing away from the traditional lecture style of teaching. I worry though that this bob and weave could not only be a bit confusing for the student to learn anything but how much time and effort must the teacher expend in developing instructional plans for her lessons. Good Concept though.