A Fresh Look At Brain-Based Education

User’s Abstract:

Jenson, Eric P.. "A Fresh Look at Brain-Based Education." (2008). 6 Oct. 2009 .

Eric Jenson, a doctoral student in the field of media psychology and a leader in the field of brain-based education, writes about the need to continue the research and extend the understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of the brain and education. Jenson cites many sources to consolidate his findings that there are several powerful connections that educators can make when looking at brain research.

“Schools present countless opportunities to affect students' brains. Such issues as stress, exercise, nutrition, and social conditions are all relevant, brain-based issues that affect cognition, attention, classroom discipline, attendance, and memory. Our new understanding is that every school day changes the student's brain in some way. Once we make those connections, we can make choices in how we prioritize policies and strategies.” Jenson (2008)

He concludes that while there are still those who criticize the role of brain research in education, brain-based education is here to stay.

Jenson is very clear that brain-based education is only one aspect of education, and that it should not be looked at as a solution to all of the problems in education. However, he does argue that the brain is involved in everything we do at school, and to ignore that would be irresponsible. In his list of connections of real world brain research to educational practices, he makes a convincing argument that the brain should not be overlooked when making decisions about curriculum, teaching strategies, and even in the classroom environment.

I have read several articles by Eric Jenson, and have long been a firm believer that research in the function of the brain can and will have an important impact on the way we teach and the way that students learn. I am definitely interested in reading more about the research that has been done so far, and the implications on teaching and learning that have already been published. I am quick to connect these ideas to the training I have had through Quantum Learning, and the many brain-based activities that they promote for optimal student learning. It serves as a reminder to me to go back to some of the books I have on my shelf and reconnect with some of the research there.