Immaculate Conception College of Balayan Inc

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Augustinian Recollect Sisters
Plaza Mabini, Balayan 4213 Batangas, Philippines

THE TEACHING PROFESSION

BRAIN-BASED LEARNING

INTRODUCTION

Brain-Based Learning (BBL) is an instructional approach grounded in neuroscience, focusing on how the
brain naturally learns and processes information. This paradigm emphasizes creating learning environments
and strategies aligned with the brain's functioning to enhance memory, engagement, and critical thinking.
It seeks to bridge the gap between neuroscience and education, ensuring that teaching methods are
supported by scientific understanding of brain mechanisms.

Incorporating aspects such as emotional engagement, sensory stimulation, and active participation, BBL
shifts away from traditional rote memorization and passive learning methods, advocating for a holistic
approach that nurtures cognitive, emotional, and social development.

PROPONENTS AND THEORISTS

1. Eric Jensen
Eric Jensen is a leading authority in Brain-Based Learning and has published extensively on the
subject. His works, such as "Teaching with the Brain in Mind" and "Brain-Based Learning: The
New Science of Teaching and Training", emphasize that learning environments and teaching
strategies should be designed to optimize the brain's capabilities. Jensen's work highlights the
critical role of movement, nutrition, and emotional engagement in learning.
Key Contributions:
➢ Stressed the importance of a positive classroom climate for emotional safety.
➢ Advocated for incorporating movement to increase blood flow and oxygenation to the
brain.
➢ Demonstrated the importance of nutrition and hydration for cognitive function.
2. John Medina
John Medina, a molecular biologist and author of "Brain Rules", brings a scientific perspective to
Brain-Based Learning. Medina's research emphasizes the importance of exercise, sleep, and stress
management for effective learning.
Key Contributions:
➢ Demonstrated the cognitive benefits of regular physical activity.
➢ Highlighted how chronic stress negatively affects memory and learning.
➢ Advocated for adequate sleep to enhance attention, memory consolidation, and
creativity.
3. Howard Gardner
Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences aligns with Brain-Based Learning by
emphasizing the diversity in cognitive strengths among learners. Gardner proposed that students
 Immaculate Conception College of Balayan Inc
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Augustinian Recollect Sisters
Plaza Mabini, Balayan 4213 Batangas, Philippines

have different kinds of intelligences (e.g., linguistic, logical-mathematical, spatial) and that
teaching should cater to these varied modalities.
Key Contributions:
➢ Encouraged personalized and differentiated instruction.
➢ Highlighted the value of integrating art, music, and physical education into traditional
subjects.
4. Renate and Geoffrey Caine
Brain-based learning encourages educators to move beyond traditional training methodologies and
re-conceptualize their teaching methods to ensure they are able to reach all students by focusing on
meaningful learning. The Caines introduced 12 Brain/Mind Learning Principles, providing a
framework for Brain-Based Learning. Their work emphasizes the importance of creating meaning,
patterns, and connections in learning experiences.
Key Contributions:
➢ Proposed a holistic approach to learning that integrates the cognitive and emotional
brain.
➢ Demonstrated how novelty and curiosity stimulate the brain.
➢ Highlighted the role of social interaction in learning.

WHAT IS THE 12 BRAIN/MIND LEARNING PRINCIPLES?

The inclusion of brain-based learning theory allows students to understand not only how they learn but also
why they learn. It allows educators to help students gain a greater understanding of strengths abd
weaknesses in regard to learning and also what to do about these. Educators must take into account when
designing their instruction.

The 12 Steps of Brain-Based Learning, formulated by Caine and Caine (1995), allow educators to reach a
more diverse set of learners, affirming the notion that not all students learn the same way and allowing
educators to teach in a multitude of ways (Connell, 2009).
 Immaculate Conception College of Balayan Inc
.
Augustinian Recollect Sisters
Plaza Mabini, Balayan 4213 Batangas, Philippines

12 STEPS OF BRAIN-BASED LEARNING

1. All learning engages the physiology.

Learning is a full-body experience; the brain and body are interconnected, and physical health can
influence cognitive functions.
2. The brain/mind is social.
Social interactions are fundamental to learning; we learn effectively through collaboration and
communication with others.
3. The search for meaning is innate.
Humans have a natural curiosity and a drive to make sense of the world, which propels the learning
process.
4. The search for meaning occurs through patterning.
The brain is designed to perceive and generate patterns. Information is organized and categorized
into meaningful patterns. The brain organizes information by recognizing patterns, helping us
understand and retain new information.
5. Emotions are critical to patterning.
Emotions influence our ability to recognize patterns; positive emotional experiences can enhance
learning, while negative emotions may hinder it.
6. The brain processes parts and wholes simultaneously.
We can understand details and the bigger picture at the same time, which aids in comprehensive
learning. A healthy person’s brain hemispheres interact in each and every daily experience. They
are separate but they work together to organize information.
7. Learning involves both focused attention and peripheral perception.
 Immaculate Conception College of Balayan Inc
.
Augustinian Recollect Sisters
Plaza Mabini, Balayan 4213 Batangas, Philippines

The brain absorbs information with which it is directly involved, but also pays attention to
information outside of the direct involvement field. We learn not only through direct focus but also
through the surrounding environment and context.
8. Learning always involves conscious and unconscious processes.
We learn much more than we ever consciously understand. Both conscious effort and unconscious
assimilation play roles in how we learn and internalize information.
9. There are at least two types of memory: a spatial memory system and a set of systems for rote
learning.
We have a spatial/autobiographical memory that does not need rehearsal and allows for “instant”
recalls. Spatial memory helps us remember contexts and environments, while rote memory allows
for the memorization of facts and data.
10. The brain understands and remembers best when facts and skills are embedded in natural spatial
memory.
Integrating learning into real-life contexts enhances understanding and retention.
11. Learning is enhanced by challenge and inhibited by threat.
A challenging yet supportive environment stimulates learning, whereas fear and intimidation can
impede it.
12. Each brain is unique.
Individual differences in experiences and biology mean that each person learns in their own unique
way. All humans have the same set of systems, yet we are all different based on genetic
endowments, differing prior knowledge and environments. The more we learn, the more unique we
become.

GENERAL IMPLICATIONS
There are implications that emerges out of the core principles that Caine & Caine developed, which are the
following:
1. It shifts focus from the teaching process to the learning process.
2. The teacher becomes facilitator guide, coach, mentor and talent scout.
- The role of the teacher changes but is not eliminated.
3. Orchestrated Immersion
- The learning environments are created to immerse students into a full learning experience.
4. Relaxed Alertness
- An effort should be made to eliminate fear while maintaining a highly challenging
environment.
5. Active Processing
- The learner consolidates and internalizes information by actively processing it.
6. The brain needs nourishment.
- Food, hydration, air quality, light and sleep.
7. The brain is a social organ.
- Peer teaching and interaction
- Do something with the information
 Immaculate Conception College of Balayan Inc
.
Augustinian Recollect Sisters
Plaza Mabini, Balayan 4213 Batangas, Philippines

8. The brain seeks safety.

- Classroom environment
- A sense of security
9. The brain is emotional.
- Pays attention to emotion naturally.
- Humor, reflection, role play
- Images in the brain
10. The brain seeks and process information.
- Information in isolation is forgotten, interesting information is retained
- Connections to prior knowledge and real life

IMPORTANCE OF BRAIN-BASED LEARNING

1. Enhances Cognitive Development

• BBL aligns with the brain's natural ways of processing information, promoting deeper
comprehension and long-term memory retention. For instance, teaching methods like problem-
based learning challenge students to apply critical thinking and make connections between
concepts.
2. Fosters Emotional Engagement
• Emotional states significantly influence learning. Lessons designed to evoke curiosity,
excitement, or empathy help the brain retain information more effectively. Example: Using
real-life stories or scenarios to teach complex concepts.
3. Supports Differentiated Learning
• BBL recognizes the unique learning styles of each student and provides strategies to cater to
these differences. For example, visual learners might benefit from infographics, while
kinesthetic learners engage better with hands-on activities.
4. Promotes Long-Term Retention
• Techniques like spaced repetition and active recall leverage how the brain encodes and retrieves
information, resulting in better retention compared to cramming.
5. Encourages Active Participation
• Active participation, such as group discussions and collaborative projects, stimulates multiple
areas of the brain, fostering comprehensive understanding and skill-building.

ADVANTAGES OF BRAIN-BASED LEARNING

1. Improved Retention
• Leveraging strategies like spaced repetition ensures students remember information for longer
periods. Engaging learners through multi-sensory approaches improves encoding and retrieval
processes, making information easier to recall.
2. Higher Engagement
 Immaculate Conception College of Balayan Inc
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Augustinian Recollect Sisters
Plaza Mabini, Balayan 4213 Batangas, Philippines

• By aligning lessons with students' interests and natural learning patterns, BBL boosts
motivation and participation. Strategies like incorporating games, storytelling, or real-world
scenarios captivate learners, ensuring active involvement.
3. Critical Thinking Skills
• Encourages learners to analyze, evaluate, and apply concepts, fostering independent thinking.
Problem-based learning and inquiry-driven tasks enable students to develop higher-order
cognitive skills.
4. Personalized Learning
• Tailors teaching methods to accommodate diverse learning preferences and paces.
Differentiation ensures that all learners, including those with learning challenges, can access
and succeed in the curriculum.
5. Supports Neurodiverse Learners
• Helps students with ADHD, dyslexia, or other challenges succeed through customized
strategies. BBL's emphasis on reducing stress and engaging emotions is particularly beneficial
for students with unique needs.

DISADVANTAGES OF BRAIN-BASED LEARNING

1. Resource Intensive
• Requires additional materials, technology, and professional development, posing a
challenge for underfunded schools. Schools may struggle to provide the necessary
tools, such as sensory kits or interactive technologies, for full implementation.
2. Time-Consuming
• Activities like group projects, experiments, and discussions often take longer than
traditional lectures. Teachers must balance the depth of learning with curriculum pacing
requirements, which can be challenging.
3. Training Requirements
• Teachers need extensive training in neuroscience and BBL strategies to implement
them effectively. Lack of access to quality professional development can hinder
effective application of BBL principles.
4. Implementation Challenges
• Resistance from stakeholders accustomed to traditional teaching methods may hinder
adoption. Convincing parents, administrators, or even fellow educators to embrace
BBL may require significant effort and evidence.
5. Not Universally Effective
• Some students may prefer or perform better with conventional instructional methods.
While BBL aims to be inclusive, certain students may find it overwhelming or
unstructured compared to traditional methods.
STRATEGIES FOR BRAIN-BASED LEARNING
 Immaculate Conception College of Balayan Inc
.
Augustinian Recollect Sisters
Plaza Mabini, Balayan 4213 Batangas, Philippines

1. Active Learning
- Students are directly involved in the learning process through discussions, hands-
on activities, or group work.
Example: Instead of lecturing about the water cycle, students could create a model
using everyday materials and present their understanding to peers.
2. Multi-Sensory Experiences
- Engaging multiple senses to reinforce learning.
Example: A biology lesson might include a video on photosynthesis, a hands-on
activity like planting seeds, and a group discussion.
3. Emotional Connections
- Tying lessons to students’ personal experiences or interests to create emotional
resonance.
Example: Teaching fractions through cooking, where students measure ingredients
and relate it to real-life scenarios.
4. Physical Activity
- Incorporating movement to enhance focus and cognitive processing.
- Example: Introducing “brain breaks” like short stretches or a quick physical game
to re-energize students during long lessons.
5. Neuroplasticity
- Encouraging challenging tasks to foster the brain’s adaptability and growth.
Example: Asking students to solve open-ended math problems or puzzles that
require creative solutions.
6. Collaborative Learning
- Learning through teamwork and peer interaction.
Example: Assigning group projects where each member takes on a specific role to
complete a task collaboratively.
7. Optimized Learning Environment
- Designing spaces that reduce stress and enhance focus.
Example: Flexible seating arrangements, calming wall colors, and natural lighting
to create a conducive learning atmosphere.
CONCLUSION

Brain-Based Learning represents a paradigm shift in education, integrating neuroscience principles to

optimize learning experiences. By aligning teaching strategies with the brain's natural functioning, BBL
fosters cognitive development, emotional engagement, and differentiated instruction, accommodating
diverse learners. Although challenges such as resource demands and training needs exist, the benefits of
enhanced retention, critical thinking, and personalized learning make BBL an invaluable approach in
 Immaculate Conception College of Balayan Inc
.
Augustinian Recollect Sisters
Plaza Mabini, Balayan 4213 Batangas, Philippines

modern education. Its focus on holistic development equips learners with the tools to succeed in an
increasingly complex world, underscoring its relevance in shaping the future of teaching and learning.