Brain Based Learning Strategies

Brain Based Learning Strategies

Lisa Barfield-McCarty

PSY370: Learning and the Brain

October 2, 2011

Brain Based Learning Strategies

            In order for students to achieve true success in their later years of education and throughout life, schools must begin to implement strategies that focus on improving overall cognitive functioning. Rather than removing programs that have the potential for creating healthier minds in their learning environment, we should look to improve them through various scheduling and curriculum measures. Rather than focusing solely on measures that are intended to increase test scores, we should be focused on producing healthier, more competent minds. By implementing strategies that improve cognitive functioning and focus on the student’s overall success, individual test scores are much more likely to increase anyway. And, if test scores did not improve under such conditions, chances are the issue will be with the tests themselves (as in, how they are conducted and other enforced criteria). 

            There are many studies that have shown a definite link between physical exercises and enhanced cognitive functioning. The ways in which the human brain benefits from exercise are numerous and should be taken into account when preparing any curriculum or learning schedule. Exercise is known to increase blood flow to the brain which allows more oxygen and nutrients to reach the neural network. (Jensen, 2008) Exercise also helps to produce new brain cells, and specifically in areas of the brain known to be associated with learning and memory. (Richardson, 2011) In addition, there are several chemical neurotransmitters that are involved in brain and muscle communication that become activated during physical activity. These same neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and acetylcholine, have an effect on memory and mood as well. (The Franklin Institute , 2004) Dopamine (as well as norepinephrine) is one neurotransmitter that is essential to alertness and the ability to think quickly as well as the ability to perform calculations. (Jensen, 2008) There is a powerful protein substance in the brain known as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) which can improve cognitive functioning by boosting neuron activity (growth, interconnection, and communication) and exercise is known to boost the production of this substance. (Richardson, 2011)

            In today’s world our children are faced with a number of challenges that inhibit their cognitive performance and detract from their learning potential. Students have a number of stressors that affect them daily and if they are not educated in the ways that they may overcome or deal with those stressors they will continue to fail. Students today are expected to improve through memorization, and without a full understanding of what they are learning. There are time constrictions and an overly full schedule that provides little opportunity for the student’s brain to rest, stretch, and mull over the details they have been attempting to absorb. Their minds have no down time between courses and they experience unhealthy mood alterations when they continue to fail after so much effort. Obviously, there is no one solution to all the problems students now face in their daily educative routines but implementing some brain based strategies into that routine should not be underestimated in its potential impact. In particular, a focus on physical exercise can play a crucial role in helping students feel more confident and less stressed and lead them to improving their academic performance (which is good both for the student and for the school). Exercise is known to help decrease stress, anxiety, and depression by reducing stress hormones such as cortisol and stimulating the production of endorphins. (Harvard Health Publications, 2011)

 

            If schools wish to improve student performance in the areas of mathematics and science and literacy, they would do best to include physical activity courses in the curriculum rather than remove it. Including exercise routines at strategic times throughout the day, as a part of any class in addition to any separate physical education course, would greatly improve student morale and participation as well as overall academic achievement. Comparative studies conducted between schools that offer physical exercise as a part of their daily routine and those that do not have all shown physical activity to be positively linked to the brain’s ability to acquire and retain new knowledge. (Jensen, 2008) The more that is learned through research (into how the brain functions, works with the body to perform tasks, and learns) the more evidence that is gathered in support of physical education being a necessary component to healthy development and functioning of the brain. This is something that is generally accepted and agreed upon based on many peer reviewed studies conducted by a number of well respected physiologists and cognitive scientists among others in relevant fields of knowledge. (Jensen, 2008)

References

 

Harvard Health Publications. (2011, February). Benefits of exercise – reduces stress, anxiety, and helps fight depression, from Harvard Men's Health Watch. Retrieved September 29, 2011, from Harvard Health Publications: http://www.health.harvard.edu/press_releases/benefits-of-exercisereduces-stress-anxiety-and-helps-fight-depression

Jensen, E. (2008). Brain-Based Learning: The New Paradigm of Teaching (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA.: Corwin Press.

Richardson, V. (2011). A Fit Body Means a Fit Mind. Retrieved September 29, 2011, from Edutopia: http://www.edutopia.org/exercise-fitness-brain-benefits-learning

The Franklin Institute . (2004). The Human Brain. Retrieved October 2, 2011, from The Franklin Institute Online: http://www.fi.edu/learn/brain/exercise.html