Chapter 3 BRAIN-COMPATIBLE

INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES
 Integrated teaching also incorporations successful, research-based
instructional strategies into teaching. Brain-based instruction is the
application of teaching-learning principles based on findings about the
brain and learning. The following are some research findings cited by
Patricia Wolfe in her book Brain matters: Translating research into
action.
 Some research findings about the Brain
 Without rehearsal or constant attention, information remains working
memory for only about 15 to 20 seconds.
 Learning is a process of building neural networks. This network is
formed through concrete experience, representational or symbolic
learning, and abstract learning.
 Our brains have difficulty comprehending very large numbers because
we have nothing in experience to “hook” them.
 The eyes contain nearly 70 percent of the body’s sensory receptors and send millions
of signals every second along the optic nerves to the visual processing of the brain. The
capacity of the long-term memory for pictures seems almost unlimited.
 There is little doubt that when information is embedded in music or rhyme, is recall is
easier that when it is prone.
 Brain-based Strategies
1. Involving Students in Real-life or Authentic problem solving – sometimes students
ask us when and where they need this and that they are learning in school.
2. Using projects to increase meaning and motivation – projects may not necessarily
be based on problems but the example in item number 1 may be made a project.
3. Simulations and Role-plays as meaning makers – not all curriculum topics can be
addressed through authentic problem solving and projects.at times these activities
are not feasible, so simulations which are not events, are our resort.
4. Classroom strategies using visual processing – “A picture is worth ten thousand
words.” this being the case we make it a point to have visual aids, visual are
powerful aids in retention as well as in understanding.
5. Songs, jingles and raps – content be more easily trained when they give
it a tune or make into rhyme through their personally composed songs,
jingles and rap.
6. Mnemonic strategies – These assist students in recalling important
information.
7. Writing strategies – make students write their own word problems and
make them ask their classmates to solve them.
8. Peer teaching – it is said that the best way to learn something is so
teach it. Make students teach each other in a “Pair, think, share!” manner.
9. Active review – Instead of the teacher conducting the review, students
are given their turn.
10. Hands-on-activities – Concrete experience is one of the best ways to
make long-lasting neural connections.