Brain Compatible Learning Theory

[andrewducker]

Ripped from the pages of AliceIWonder, a teacher:

There are 3 parts of the brain.

The first is the Reptile Brain, which evolved (yes, he did say the E word, all you Good Oklahomans) for the use of the critters crawling out of the sea. It doesn't know much -- eat or be eaten. It doens't see well -- it mostly needs to see how BIG the other object is. It needs to know, do I eat IT or does it eat ME? Its only need is survival.

The second is the Emotional Filter and the third is the part you think and learn with.

Why is this important?

Because the Reptile Brain has the authority to shut down all other parts of the brain. This is why when you see a multicar pileup with blood and gore everywhere you will stand completely still and lose all ability to speak. This is also why children don't learn. In a stressful situation, the higher brain turns to "off." This includes stress coming from OUTSIDE the room, such as family life, tornadoes, etc. It can also come from INSIDE the room, like when you're yelling at Anthony to stop using the shavings from the pencil sharpener to baptize his classmates.

Comments

Reptilian brain

[garthmyl.livejournal.com]

its only need is survival? To be pedantic, not quite - it controls the survival of the person. The reptilian brain is the oldest part of your brain that is almost like that found in primitive creatures. It controls the very simple functions such as breathing, heart rate and basic instincts i.e the fight and flight body response which, in present society is the sort of stress outlined above.

The 'middle brain' (or the mammalian brain)controls your emotions and your sexuality. However, do not dismiss it as not being part of the learning brain because it plays a key role in memory.

The main catalyst to memory (and thus learning) is emotion. If someone has an experience (and I am talking now about things really worth learning - based on Rogers' theory that what is worth knowing cannot be taught)and it is a highly emotional experience, their body and mind are more likely to recall that experience: it is called 'anchoring' (think of a piece of music, now, that you particularly enjoy, and as you remember it get in touch with the memory it creates in your mind as you listen to it. Which came first the wonderful experience or the delight of the music? (but that is another discussion) However, they are intertwined.

Enlightened teachers know that if learners are in receptive emotional states in advance of a learning experience, they are more likely to learn - and remember. Which takes us back to why, as the writer above so rightly says, it is vital that children should not be stressed when in a learning situation.

Oh, and by the way, if you do activity, such as 'brain gym' after learning some Spanish - or even go for a run - the unconscious mind will process the information and it is more likely to be remembered!

Re: Reptilian brain

[aliceiwonder.livejournal.com]

Right! Emotion is a catalyst ot memory. Music is the easiest way to use the middle brain to your advantage. So is humor. If a teacher acts out cellular mitosis and looks silly doing it, the class laughs and retains more information, etc. etc.

Important Note: Sitting down, reading a book and writing an answer down has NO EMOTIONAL VALUE WHATSOEVER. Bummer.

Re: Reptilian brain

[andrewducker]

Not even if it's a good book?

[heron61.livejournal.com]

I may be misremembering, but wasn't this theory of the brain discredited more than a decade ago? It's an interesting model, but I'm not certain that it's a useful one.

[andrewducker]

Last time I checked the reptile brain was part of the accepted model. The amygdala is generally considered to be the center of the emotional part of the brain and I was watching a program the other day on brain scans of that area, so I assume that that's still the standard too.