BRAIN-COMPATIBLE LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS

Brain-Compatible Learning Environments



Brain-Compatible Learning Environments

Question: Brain-compatible learning environments: what are the advantages?

Answer

Introduction

Learning is the evolutionary brain function that once ensured our survival. As a result, our brains quickly capture and retain information that is novel or unusual, and this trait can be exploited to good advantage when teaching. This issue deals with some surprising findings; some may seem like fodder for the 'skeptical Inquirer, but do have confirmation in research. The brain learns through the senses, so what is felt, seen, heard, and even smelled can have surprising effects. How does it feel? When an environment feels uncomfortable, our tendency is to escape from it rather than learn in it. If an environment feels physically uncomfortable, psychologically unfriendly or threatening, it won't be a good learning (or working) environment. We know how temperature affects our ability to remain attentive. Given a choice, we'd leave a too cold or too hot room; not given a choice, we'll "tune out" whatever doesn't lead to granting an exit.

How does an optimal learning environment look? Over 80% of the information our brain receives is visual, so light and color are two important attributes that will affect how the brain learns. Psychiatrist Wayne London did a famous experiment in classrooms in 1988 when he used the Christmas holiday break to replace the standard fluorescent bulbs in several classrooms with Vitalite® full-spectrum lighting. The result was a 65% drop in student absences. In 1991 Dr. D. B. Harmon studied about 160,000 school children and learned that about half of these suffered detrimental effects from classroom lighting. In 1987 the American Psychological Association officially recognized "seasonal affective disorder (SAD)" which is a depression caused by lighting typified by the season with the shortest daylight. Studies have also shown this season to be less favorable to learning. Good lighting provides a compensatory remedy(cited in Checa, Rosa & Rueda, 2008, 177-187).

Most studies show that soft, full-spectrum lighting is optimal for learning; the prevalent fluorescent lighting used in most classrooms and offices is rated among the worst possible choices for long periods of learning or working.

Definition

Brain based learning theory is based on the structure and function of the brain. As long as the brain is not prohibited from fulfilling its normal processes, learning will occur.

Discussion

People often say that everyone can learn. Yet the reality is that everyone does learn. Every person is born with a brain that functions as an immensely powerful processor. Traditional schooling, however, often inhibits learning by discouraging, ignoring, or punishing the brain's natural learning processes.

The core principles of brain-based learning state that:

The brain is a parallel processor, meaning it can perform several activities at once, like tasting and smelling.

Learning engages the whole physiology.

The search for meaning is innate.

The search for meaning comes through patterning.

Emotions are critical to patterning.

The brain processes wholes and parts simultaneously.

Learning involves both focused attention and peripheral perception.

Learning involves both conscious and unconscious processes.

We have two types of memory: spatial and ...