Brain based learning (BBL)

Brain based learning (BBL) is a holistic approach for learning and basically refers to teaching methods, lesson designs, and school programs that are based on the latest scientific research about how the brain learns, including such factors as cognitive development. There are several principles of BBL. Below twelve principles are given in relation to teaching.
  1.       The brain is a parallel processor, meaning it can perform several activities at once, like tasting and smelling. Teaching should include several methods for learning at the same time.
  2. Learning engages the entire physiology, whole body hence hands on activities are important.
  3. The search for meaning is innate therefore learning environment should satisfy curiosity.
  4.  The search for meaning comes through patterning.This means teaching should present information in a way that allows brain to extract patterns.
  5. Emotions are critical to patterning therefore students’ emotions should be taken into account in teaching.
  6. The brain processes wholes and parts simultaneously which requires teachers to understand that learning is cumulative and developmental.
  7. Learning involves both focused attention and peripheral perception hence the class should be designed purposefully to facilitate unconscious peripheral learning.
  8.  Learning involves both conscious and unconscious processes therefore teachers should use reflection activities and metacognitive activities increase awareness.
  9.  We have two types of memory: spatial and rote. By personalization and relating students’ prior knowledge, world experiences transfer of learning will be easier.
  10.  We understand best when facts are embedded in natural, spatial memory. Teachers should active students’ all senses.
  11. Learning is enhanced by challenge and inhibited by threat which can be realized in a teaching environment as teaching should include challenge but not a threat.
  12. Each brain is unique therefore teaching should be multifaceted to allow students to express visual, emotional and auditory preferences.

Several researchers agree that BBL  allows teachers to enhance the learning environment and help them to prepare themselves and learners more effectively for the learning events. However it should be noted that  science may come from a wide range of disciplines and BBL is not a panacea to solve all of education's problems. The discussion of how to improve student learning must widen to the bigger picture and that bigger picture is that our brain is involved with everything we do at school. A major critisim is related to BBL is assessment procedures which is not clearly identified in this theory. 

Lastly, I would like to mention the  major misinterpretation of BBL which is wide use of IQ tests and creating competitions among students. Teachers should consider that  should include challenge but not a threat.




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