Brain-Based Learning

1. Prof. Veena Kumar

2. Prof. Veena Kumar
What neuroscience tells us …
(Informed by readings of diverse scholarly publications)
Over the past few decades, a lot of research has been
conducted to understand the structure and
functioning of the human brain, specially how it learns.
This new knowledge has forces the educationist to re-
visit and review the existing teaching practices.
Research tells us:
 Learning happens when brain
creates new neural connections.
 Active learning interventions promote
creation of new neural connections and retention of
long-term memory

3. Prof. Veena Kumar
What neuroscience tells us …
(Informed by readings of diverse scholarly publications)
 Brain processes information in small chunks -
Repetition enhances long-term memory
 Emotions strengthen memory
 Our brains are programmed to focus on new and
unusual inputs
 Social interaction promotes learning

4. Prof. Veena Kumar
Brain-based Learning Theory
Please view the 10 minute video presentation
by Heather Hoffman available on you tube.
https://youtu.be/jGDlzJVR_2s
This video talks about the 12 principles that
this theory propagates. I am sure, you will
find it very useful and will enjoy it

5. Prof. Veena Kumar
How we can use this knowledge?
Seven powerful strategies:
Deliver content in smaller chunks (50 minute lecture to
be divided into 5 segments – i) Day’s objective/s; ii)
segment 1 of the day’s topic; iii) short
assessment/activity; iv) segment 2 of the day’s topic;
and v) summing up-key take away.
Make content relevant- whenever possible connect
content to the real world. This is possible for most topics
in engineering which is so closely linked to life.
Plan and Implement group activities – Pair; small
group; large group

6. Prof. Veena Kumar
Some Strategies …
 Embed assessment in everyday instruction. This will
ensure regular review and repetition leading to
enhanced student performance and confidence
 Provide constructive feedback - Positive reinforcement
is said to be one of the most powerful tools for
motivating students
 Partner with technology – use different
strategies/technology options whenever possible
 Make yourself accessible – encourage them to
communicate with you (e-mail is an excellent tool);
support the shy/weaker students to develop confidence

7. Prof. Veena Kumar
Further Reading
• Applying Brain Research to Classroom Practice
www.ascd.org/…/Applying_Brain_Research_to_Class
room_Practice.aspx
 Brandsford, J.D., Brown, A.L., and Cocking, R.R.
(2000), How People Learn, National Research
Council, National academy Press, Washington D.C.
 Price C (2009), Why My Students Don’t Think
I’m Groovy?, The Teaching Professor, 23 91) 7
• Engaging the Millennial Learner, Amy Novotney,
March 2010, Vol 41, No. 3