Framework to be followed by presenters to be brain compatible
10% Before Prepare: your learners
Create: Optimal environment
80% During ENGAGE: get them vested emotionally with
an attention bias
(Influence learner state by movements, social activities etc. Key message to be repeated often. Goals, expectations, content overview. Begin the emotional vesting getting them to care
FRAME: make it relevant, important and
compelling
Frame the experience by creating relevance and value with an intentional bias. It’s a set-up. Framing uses research, compelling Qs, personal stories, logic or use video, dvd clip discrepant confusing event, pictures, Stories (personal or 3rd party) and hypothesis, predictions, quiz, video, prior knowledge, event demonstration etc. Getting attention first, continue the emotional vesting
ACQUIRE: Knowledge, skills, values,
experiences
Acquisition (visual model) . Remember that coherence is good, use small chunks, Show and tell, use clear visuals, Keep anatomy of the brain to a minimum, Make it easy to remember, learn, process the information and breathe
ELLABORATION: deepen the learning
trial and error time, with feedback – active
processing
Digging for details, getting feedback on understanding. Redefine terms in new ways, without using the key word. Group and re-group data, use analogies and metaphors. Summarize in 25% of the original length, then in 10% of the length. Critique and analyze the material for style, content and relevance. Compare and contrast the material to similar works. Turn the material into a model, drawing, map, flow chart or illustration. Reciprocal teaching, think, pair share, get feedback
CONNECTION: to other content, processes
and self Review your own learning, add new
related learning, Reflection, discussion.
Practise and integrate with other learning
10% After Settling Time: passive processing
Rehearsal and incorporation: revise it and use
it
According to Eric Jensen, a brain-compatible educator is the one who understands and uses the brain principles. It is an educator that understands why he or she does what she does. It is also one who stays constantly updated through continuous professional development. It is one who can live with change. All true brain based learning is research based and science based. Brain based learning is the informed process of using a group of practical strategies that are driven by sound principles derived from brain research. You should be able to articulate some essential brain principle and say which you were using and why you chose the strategy you chose. Your work would be purposeful (e.g. “ I understand that certain emotions can enhance memory. I’m going to first use suspense and then a celebration with this activity”) You would also know the critical “How we learn” principles that give you guidelines (Constraints and possibilities)
A Brain based educator is challenged by the prospect of changing student brains on a daily basis, yet feel up to the task. Your work would be meaningful. (I know that the human brain can and does change every day and I’m, excited to be part of that process) Knowing that you change brains everyday is very powerful, but it is also daunting. What you need to know are the 14 specific variables that enhance positive change in the brain. Knowing how and when to enrich is empowering and exciting.
