Top 10 BrainBased Teaching Strategies Tom Lavella Cognition

Top 10 Brain-Based Teaching Strategies Tom Lavella Cognition – ED 515

Strategy #10 What Research Says n Physical Movement – Strengthens learning – Improves memory retrieval – Enhances learners confidence – Movement increases blood flow and oxygenates the brain What Should Be Done – – – Active learning Go outside Move around Stretch Role Playing

Strategy #9 What Research Says n Use collaboration – Brain is inherently social – Explaining to others makes information the students – Feel support of peers – Small group decision making skills – Promotes social interactions What Should Be Done – Breakout spaces – Small groups – Cooperative learning – Group and individual accountability

Strategy #8 What Research Says n Stimulating Environment – Color promotes memory and motivation – Yellow, light orange, beige - calming – Colorful Student work around the room promotes student ownership What Should Be Done – Colored transparencies – Colored handouts – Colorful posters – Colored Markers (whiteboards) – Highlight notes

Strategy #7 What Research Says n Use Humor – Reduces stress – Boosts immune system – Enhances alertness and memory What Should Be Done – Funny stories – Jokes – Cartoon in class or test – Joke around in small groups

Strategy #6 What Research Says n Incorporate Music – Alters brain chemistry – Energizes – Calms – Increase effectiveness for task completion What Should Be Done – Use as a timer – Use during transitions – Increase suspense or tension – Welcome to class – During independent work

Strategy #5 What Should Be Done What Research Says – Open ended n Problem Solving questions – The brain grows by – Higher level thinking trying to solve problems questions/projects – What if…. ? – Need to find the edge of – Can you figure this what students can do out? – Real-world problem – Brain teasers solving promotes – Graphing creative and meaningful – Labs/Experiments judgment

Strategy #4 What Research Says What Should Be Done n Link to Previous Knowledge – Check to see what students already – Start with what they know and move forward to what they need to – Expand on what know they understand – Supply background – KWL information if necessary – Motivating to students – Helps students be more successful

Strategy #3 What Research Says n Allow Student Choice – Lowers stress – Helps release good brain chemicals – Give students the choice while adult remains in control What Should Be Done – Give students choices when possible – Option as to how to take note – outline, concept map, etc – Which problems to go over

Strategy #2 What Research Says n Repetition – Strengthens connections to the brain – Synapses are not static, adapt to activity What Should Be Done – Differentiate previewing and reviewing strategies – Interesting approaches and assessments – Video clips, posters, cooperative learning, graphic organizers, etc

And finally…. the #1 Brain -Friendly Strategy What Research Says n Use of Images – 80 -90% of all information absorbed by brain is visual – Concrete visual images contrast, movement and color attract attention What Should Be Done – Working models – Project based assignments – Varied information forms – Assortment of art supplies – Add pics, graphics, charts, etc to presentations

References n n Elder, Janet. (July 29, 2008). Twenty-five Brain Frienldy Strategies. [Electronic Version]. Janet Elder Papers. Available: http: //readingprof. com/papers. html Hileman, Sarah. (January 1, 2006). Motivating Students Using Brain-Based Teaching Strategies. [Electronic Version]. The Agricultural Education Magazine. Available: http: //www. allbusiness. com/agriculture-forestry-fishinghunting/1046039 -1. html Lackney, J. (June 8, 1998). Twelve Design Principles Based on Brain-based Learning Research. [Electronic Version]. Regional CEFPI Conference workshop (summary). Available: http: //schoolstudio. engr. wisc. edu/brainbased. html Wagner, M. (June 30, 2006). Ten Easy Ways to Help Kids Learn: A Brainbased Learning Strategy that Really Works. [Electronic Version]. Available: http: //www. classbrain. com/artteensm/publish/10_brain_based_learning_strat egies. shtml