Posts
The article is from the following link: http://www.edutopia.org/neuroscience-brain-based-learning-myth-busting.
This article addresses how many games that say "brain-based proof" or "will improve brain power" are false and using marketing ploys to sell a product. The point that the article makes is that neuroscience is in its infancy in truly understanding how the brain works. Game marketers will use clever "testimonials" to try and sell the product. Often, the public is duped into buying the product because of the marketing schemes.
The article continues on by debunking certain myths that exist about the brain. Some of these include the myth that we only use a small percentage of brains and that there are left and right brain thinkers. These myths have been perpetuated by people not fully understanding the research of scientists and handing down misinformation.
The important thing that I -- as an educator -- must do is to keep up-to-date on the ever-changing understandings of the way the human brain learns. It is imperative that teachers constantly read articles and books about the newest information on how learners learn in order to help all of our students grow to their greatest potential. Not following the latest research will harm our students. We cannot neglect new research. That is why staying subrsribed to RSS feeds to sources like Edutopia is so important. With the wealth of information out there, RSS feeds will help me -- and other educators -- sift through all of the information to find what we need to grow professionally. As a result, our students will grow as well.
Bernard, Sarah. "Neuro Myths: Separating Fact and Fiction in Brain-Based Learning." No Date. Web, Edutopia. 26 June 2011. <http://www.edutopia.org/neuroscience-brain-based-learning-myth-busting>.
Wow! That was a very interesting article about Brain-Based Learning. It is very true that sometimes it's all about the advertising. Thank you for sharing the article. I have also enjoyed my RSS feeds. I have never set up a site like this before. I love learning new things!
ReplyDeleteNeuroscience definitely perks my interest. As a coach of volleyball, you learn how to best warm up your muscles and how to strengthen those same muscles. I think as a teacher we should know as much as possible about how the brain works. How do you warm it up for a day of learning? How do you keep those skills? Keeping on top of all the brain based research is important for teachers to be the most effective as possible.
ReplyDeleteThe research on how the brain works is an important topic for teachers to be knowledgeable. Using RSS feeds is an excellent method for staying current. As the author points out, the connections or proof from neuroscience labs to what works in the classroom can only be “correlated” not proven. I thought another interesting point was the marketing claims of educational products. As with everything else in life we as consumers need to be wary of advertising claims and test the product for ourselves. If it works use it, if not don’t.
ReplyDeleteI liked Brandy’s analogy regarding physical warm up for sports to those of students preparing the brain for learning. We need to set the stage, stretch the “muscles” so our students are prepared to learn and retain the concepts taught.