What Are Brain-Based Learning Strategies and How Do They Work?

Have you ever wondered if your child is learning the right way? Learning methods can have significant consequences for a child’s growth and development. Creating a stimulating and positive learning experience is pivotal, but it can get challenging. For example, IB curriculum subjects need a lot of focus and engagement, but in a landscape where children’s attention spans are shorter than ever, how do you ensure understanding and retention? 

This is where Brain-Based Learning can help! The concept may seem simple and obvious because learning is believed to be inherently brain-based. However, brain-based learning is not just about what one learns but how one learns. In this piece, we will delve deeper into the principles of brain-based learning, its benefits, applications and how they apply to contemporary education in India!

What is Brain-Based Learning?

Brain-Based Learning is a framework that approaches education in the context of the latest research in neuroscience, psychology, and cognitive science. This approach aims to transform teaching practices and make them comprehensive to fit the unique needs of every learner. The brain-based learning focuses on doing away with rigid teaching styles. It seeks to create learning environments compatible with the brain’s natural processes for acquiring, processing, and retaining information.

Principles of Brain-Based Learning

Knowing the principles of brain-based learning is essential to creating learning and teaching methods adapted to the brain. There are various guiding principles. Let’s check out the guiding principles of brain-based learning, articulated by Renate and Geoffrey Caine, that support learning outcomes.

1. Stimulation – A brain can process thoughts, emotions, and sensory input at once. Effective learning strategies tap into this by engaging multiple senses and cognitive pathways for optimal results. For example, storytelling, movement, or real-world problem-solving engages the brain and results in better learning outcomes. 
2. Physical Engagement – Brain-based learning recognises that learning is not just a mental activity; it involves the whole body. Physical activity, nutrition, hydration, and posture can impact cognitive function and learning capacity.
3. Meaning and Patterns – Brains are hardwired to find patterns and make sense of things. Learning is most effective when new information is relevant and can be connected to existing knowledge or real-life experiences. Organising information logically, using analogies, and highlighting connections helps the brain categorise and store information more effectively.
4. Emotions are Critical – Emotions play a significant role in memory and learning. Positive emotions can enhance learning experiences and outcomes, while stress and fear can hinder them.
5. Processing Wholes and Parts – The brain is an effective machine that can focus on details and the bigger picture simultaneously. Effective teaching should help students understand how individual concepts fit into a larger framework.
6. Social Engagement – Students learn best when they engage in a topic socially. Working on group projects or teaching a concept to peers leads to interactions essential for a good learning experience. 
7. Each Brain is Unique – While the basic structures are similar, every brain differs based on genetics and experiences. This highlights the need for differentiated instruction and varied approaches to cater to diverse learning styles.

Understanding these principles of brain-based learning allows educators to teach lessons that are informative and memorable.

Brain-Based Learning Benefits

Brain-based learning is beneficial for both students and teachers. It is not just a way of learning and teaching, but also allows the development of the brain and cognitive functions. Check out its various benefits below.

• Increased Student Engagement – When learning activities resonate with how the brain naturally functions, students become actively involved in the learning process and motivated to learn.
• Improved Knowledge Retention – Brain-based learning techniques, such as making emotional connections, using multiple senses, encourage active recall that allows retention of information for a longer time.
• Enhanced Critical Thinking – Students are encouraged to find meanings, analyse information, see connections, and apply knowledge in different situations.
• Fosters a Positive Learning Environment – Prioritising emotional safety and reducing stress creates a comfortable learning environment that encourages students to ask questions, experiment and collaborate.
• Caters to Diverse Learners –Brain-based learning recognises that each learner is unique and encourages teachers to use instructional methods that accommodate different learning preferences.

Applications of Brain-Based Learning

Now that we know the basics, benefits, and principles of brain-based learning, let us discuss how IB curriculum schools in Bangalore, like OWIS, apply them in the classroom.

• Storytelling – We use stories to convey information or illustrate concepts to make them more memorable and emotionally engaging.
• Visuals and Multisensory Inputs – Incorporating images, videos, diagrams, hands-on activities and music, engages multiple brain areas and enhances understanding and recall. 
• Active Learning & Movement – Sitting still for long periods isn’t ideal for brain function. Incorporating movement breaks, group activities, role-playing, and discussions keeps students alert and eager to learn.
• Creating Connections – We link new concepts to students’ existing knowledge, experiences, or current events, making learning relevant and meaningful.
• Brain Breaks -The brain is a muscle and needs rest to consolidate learning. We encourage short breaks and mindfulness exercises to help students relax and retain knowledge longer.

Conclusion

Brain-based learning combines traditional methods with neuroscience to create a brilliant learning experience for students. OWIS India, one of the top IB schools in Bangalore, India, incorporates various principles of brain-based learning to help students learn without stress and to facilitate their overall development. Get in touch today to understand further about our teaching methods.