Brain-Compatible Learning in Professional Roles

Brain-Compatible Leaning
Trenell Borrello
EDU 417 Cognitive Studies Capstone
Instructor: Joanna Savarese-Levine
January 25, 2016

Relationship & Understanding

Brain-Compatible Learning in Professional Roles

I think we must understand what psychology, neuroscience, and education embodies

before we can understand how they intermingle. Psychology is the systematic learning of the
human mind and its roles, especially those affecting actions in a particular framework.
Neuroscience, also known as Neural Science, is the learning of how the nervous system
develops, its structure, and what it does. Neuroscientists focus on the brain and its impact on
behavior and cognitive functions (Nordqvist, 2014). Education is the study of academic skills,
the educational journey from kindergarten through college is a time when young people develop
many interconnected abilities (Price-Mitchell PHD, 2014).
Psychology, neuroscience, and education all depend heavily on one another. How can we define
brain-based learning? Brain based instruction is knowledge that aligns with how the brain is
purely designed to take in information. It crosses and draws from multiple disciplines, such as
chemistry, neurology, psychology, sociology, genetics, biology, and computational neurobiology
(Jensen, 2008), I think once we are able to understand more about the brain and how the brain
works than we will be able to understand more about psychological behaviors, in addition we can
then apply these finding and educate those in a classroom environment.

Applying Theory
I am able to apply this theory into my future professional role as an Applied Behavior
Analysis by active engagement, purposeful strategies, and principle based on neuroscience. The
brain does not learn on demand by a schools rigid inflexible schedule (Jensen, 2008). As an
educator I must learn how my students best learn, and implement brain-based teaching strategies
which reach more learner, more often, with fewer misses. The brain is unique and is forever
changing therefore I must discover what works best for the child I am working with. I can apply

Brain-Compatible Learning in Professional Roles

this theory by assessing what type of intelligence my student possesses and then hone in on this
and development a curriculum which best suits my students said intelligence. I feel that we
should promote multiple intelligences within the classroom environment where the students
interest and intellect may flourish. I am of the opinion that being well-informed about the
relationships between psychology, neuroscience, and education I will be better equipped in
knowing how to handle certain situations with my students because I am able to understand their
activities, schedules, and learning styles. The brain is ever changing and we as educators must be
changing and educating ourselves as technology improves.
I think we as educators need to learn how to lead our classrooms more efficiently. I think
we can engage our students more effectively by promoting brain-based learning by asking
students to assist in the classroom, sharing a vision for a class that works for all, and standing at
the door to speak and engage with students as they arrive and depart for the day. I would also
differentiate curriculum, such as implementation of projects by providing smaller groups with
targeted instruction. Lastly I can also set specific goals for myself in becoming a more
academically responsive teachers. (Souza & Tomlinson, 2011).

References

Brain-Compatible Learning in Professional Roles

Jensen, E. (2008) Brain Based Learning. The New Paradigm of Teaching. 2nd Edition
Nordqvist, C., What is Neuroscience? Retrieved from:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/248680.php
Price-Mitchell, M. (2014), What is Education? Insights from the Worlds Greatest Minds.
Retrieved from: https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-momentyouth/201405/what-is-education-insights-the-worlds-greatest-minds
Souza, D., & Tomlinson, C.A., How Neuroscience Supports the Learner-Friendly Classroom.
Differentiation and the Brain. Solution Tree Press