How Do We Learn?
Written by Rebecca Forchuk, Director of Staff Development I had the opportunity to attend “ Making Lasting Memories: Using Brain Science to Boost Memory, Thinking, and Learning ” (check out the "The Brain and Learning" link under Other Conferences) which consisted of several brain researchers sharing the latest brain science and its implications on student learning. In his session, “ How Do We Learn, ” Dr. Arthur P. Shimamura shared his MARG acronym to remember the four basic principles of efficient learning . Below you will find a synopsis of the brain science (as best as I understood it) as well as practical strategies to use in the classroom. M otivate : The Science : The prefrontal cortex looks for real life connections and is the brain ’ s reward/pleasure circuit . It is the prefrontal cortex that sends messages to release dopamine, the feel good hormone. The trouble is making learning, specifically ‘ book ’ learning, pleasurable. ...