Page 25 - 1A3 Teachers Book_7b2dd844

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Chapter Nine
Learning and the Brain
1. Learning happens in the brain and it is important to stimulate the brain by modifying
the external environment.
2. Experience and learning are a balancing act between the different parts of the brain:
hindbrain, the midbrain and limbic system and forebrain.
3. In order for learning to take place, there is a need to excite the neurons.
4. In terms of retention and memory, the key is to carefully balance and make use of the
salience (novelty and relevance) of the information and repetition.
5. It is important for teachers to ensure the creation of long term memory by creating a
web of interconnectivity and associations in our teaching.
6. In order for learning to take place, it is fundamental to grab the attention of the
students.
7. Emotions and mood also affect learning.
8. Chunking is a great way to enhance memory.
9. It is important to structure lessons to ensure that there are many high retention points,
such as striking visual imagery, repetition, association, memory and shorter learning
episodes.
10. Some usage of humour, schedule of positive rewards will ensure the release of
dopamine.
11. Use modelling (demonstration of skills) to enhance learning.
12. Young brains are not good at visualizing something that isn’t there. When students are
problem solving, don’t ask them to draw from their earlier memories.
13. The young brain needs clear guidance and boundaries.
14. The young brain needs to be motivated by fun and enjoyment. Effective teaching
methods are: teaching through song, games and close an activity with a fun activity,
avoid too many objectives in a lesson.