How People How People LearnLearn

The Learning The Learning OrganOrgan

James Zull

Our Training Must be Based on Research

Apply This Research to Your Training

Think of something you teach

Check it against these brain-based

learning ideas

Brains are Designed for Survival

Survival

Reproduction

Data Information

It feels good

Action

Scan the environment

It’s the Same for LearningIt’s the Same for Learning

We only pay attention to what we perceive as useful to us

Data Information Action

Scan the environment

Learning must be authentic and realistic

Inspire your students!

Brain Research Tells us How People Brain Research Tells us How People LearnLearn

All learning is brain-based. There is no other sort of learning!

Each brain is unique

Everyone will learn in their own way

Neurons need to connect to existing neurons

Need to build on something known

Concrete examples are best

Disconnecting neurons is difficult

It’s hard to undo a wrong concept

(Constructivist theory)

Information = UnderstandingInformation = Understanding

Remember these!

Important Brain Locations

Nucleus basaliAmygdalaSeptumGlobus

pallidusHypothalamusNucleus

accumbus

ChemicalsAcetylcholineDopamineEnkephalins

Endorphins

Adrenaline

All learning involves emotions and feelings

We are social animals

Multiply67

x47= 3049 = 3149

The Learning Cycle

SensSensee

SensSensee

IntegrateIntegrate ActAct

SensSensee

SensSensee

IntegrateIntegrate ActAct

Preferred Data•observations, facts•ideas, concepts

Preferred Sense•visual•verbal

Preferred Organisation•inductive / constructivist•never deductive

Preferred Action•physical•reflective

How we gain understanding•sequential•global

No engagement= no input= no learning!

No action= no learning!

This Fits Nicely with the Felder Model

SensSensee

IntegrateIntegrate ActAct

Preferred Data•observations, facts•ideas, concepts

Preferred Sense•visual•verbal

Preferred Action•physical•reflective

How we gain understanding•sequential•global

No engagement= no input= no learning!

VisualVerbalIntrapersonalInterpersonal Maths-logicPhysical NatureMusic

No action= no learning!

and Fits Nicely with Multiple Intelligences

and with Kolb’s Learning Circle Model

Abstract Abstract hypothesishypothesis

SensSensee

IntegrateIntegrate ActActActive testingActive testing

Reflective Reflective observatioobservationn

Concrete Concrete experienceexperience

This Doesn’t Work. Don’t Do It