Posts Tagged ‘critical thinking’

Learning success means more than just an education. It is a way to start using your brain. Learning is more than taking in information. The ability to learn in a dynamic and creative way changes the process of how you use your brain.

The essence of body/brain compatible learning is the best way to teach people how to learn.

How To Learn

This is the secret that everyone knows. You don’t give someone a fish; you teach them how to fish. What most school children, and for that matter most people are missing is a way to learn that is effective.

Learning strategies are not part of a school’s curriculum. Most of the challenge for students is how to use their brain effectively. Yet, what is emphasized is memory or rote learning. 

This has become one of the dangers in the 21^st century. Memorizing was the key to learning and what was emphasized thought-out the education system from its inception. Now, for the first time we are seeing this method failing.

Rote Learning

Rote learning technique focuses on memorization rather than understanding of a subject. It is sometimes thought of as learning by repetition. The ideal situation in this type of learning is to recall the meaning of the material.

Rote learning is quick memorization of the material being taught. This is the basis for learning multiplication tables, periodic table in chemistry and basic formulas in science. This type of learning doesn’t work well at a more complex level. The world is becoming more complicated, and comprehension is what is needed to compete in today’s world.

Good memory techniques are important in helping you pass a test, but without meaningful comprehension you will just regurgitate information.

Learning

Learning is not about cramming in information as much as it is about engaging in the process. The mere recalling of facts doesn’t elevate or engage the student. Application of knowledge means building on and embellishing so that it can be used in a productive way.

Performance depends on the mastery of concepts, not mere memorization. Learning happens for different people in different ways. It could be auditory, visual, text, or tacit. The fact is it needs to be assimilated and experienced in an intuitive way. More than ever with all the technology we need meaningful education.  We need people who have an understanding and connect with the material taught. We need people that can solve problems not just sound credible, but can add value to the marketplace.

A deeper understanding of a subject results in authentic knowledge. Critical thinking is what will increase innovation and creativity.

Neuro-Science

Neuro-science uses movements that are based on body and brain research. There is a body/brain connection that must be understood to fully understand the dynamics of learning.To facilitate learning we have to realize there are a variety of senses such as; tasting touching, smelling, hearing and seeing that come into play.

Our educational system should come under scrutiny as the future of living and thriving in the 21^st century will depend on what goes on in the space between our ears.