Brain-Based Learning

http://www.uwsp.edu/education/celtProject/innovations/Brain-Based%20Learning/brain-based_learning.htm

All the brain-based learning information we have been discussing has had a lot of value to us as teachers. The link above offers a lot of great information. I agree that it is important to understand the brain and how it works in order to teach. I also believe it is imperative to remember that people learn in an infinite amount of ways, each brain as unique as the body it belongs to.

I like a lot of the brain-based learning suggestions for how to teach effectively, but I also believe that certain traditional methods of teaching should still be used as well. Throughout my school years, I dreaded group work and class discussion. I personally learn better on my own. So even though the majority of the class may learn better from a lot of activity, it is important to remember that there will be kids who will not be enjoying themselves. For me, it was because I have suffered with anxiety for most of my life. The more commotion in a classroom, the more my brain responds with anxiety, the less I can concentrate, and the less I can learn.

IF however, there is a way to help children who have issues like I did at a young age, perhaps they can be broken of that fear. But until then, there should always be a variety of methods used ranging from traditional to progressive ways of teaching. The key is to never assume, and always remember that each one of the students in your class has unique needs. And while they cannot always be met every single day for every single lesson taught, they need to always be remembered.