brain-based foreign language learning merzlikina kate 14a01
TRANSCRIPT
Brain-Based Foreign Language Learning
Merzlikina Kate
14A01
Mental Perception The meaningful brain The curious brain The emotional brain The social brain The conscious & subconscious brain
The meaningful brain
Meaning is more important to the brain than information is.
The brain searches for meaning through patterning. Patterning allows for the storage and connection of information into meaningful categories.
The curious brain
• The brain is attracted to novelty.
• It tends to become more active when exposed to new ideas and challenges.
The emotional brain
Emotions and intelligence originate in separate places in the brain, however, their paths cross each other - they are inseparable.
It can be enhanced by stimulus and challenge.
The social brain
Our brain is social. Interaction and social status impact stress level.
Language learning becomes more effective in a learner friendly setting where scaffolding, cooperative learning, and social interaction take place.
The conscious and subconscious brain
Learning involves both conscious and subconscious processes.
Learning not only takes place in the classroom but occurs in everyday life. Successful language learners extend their learning beyond the textbook and the classroom.
Mel Levine: Founder of All Kinds of Minds Institute
… transform a verbal into a visual task, and a visual task into a kinesthetic one. Challenging the brain, not numbing it with overload, keeps the mind happily humming and is essential to teaching.
A Mind at a Time (2002)
Engage the Emotional Brain
“Why do I have to learn Chinese?”“I have no choice, it’s the ONLY language offered here!”
Vs.
“I LOVE CHINESE! We wrote skits and they were soooo funny!“My Chinese teacher taught us the coolest song in class!”
Engage the Emotional Brain
But that’s not REAL learning!
Real learning entails suffering!
But I didn’t learn that way!
Engaging the Meaningful Brain
What is the purpose of learning a language?To know all the rules and never make a mistakeTo pronounce every tone perfectly
To communicate and share your meaning
Language teaching is the perfect place to practice engaging, brain-based learning
• Music and Movement• Listening to music creates state of relaxed
alertness• Music creates emotion in students• Enjoy listening to music
Conscious and Subconscious Brain
