After researching about my topic, I created the following guide and presented it to my colleagues that will be conducting the action research with me. They will use this to guide them through the process. They will document insights in their daily journals and we will meet every three weeks to discuss findings.
Incorporating Brain Based Strategies in the Classroom
1. ENHANCE THE VISUAL ENVIRONMENT
A. Incorporate color- walls, posters, handouts, graphic organizers, student work, etc… Be creative
*Recall learning by association with colors.
*Stimulate student learning to desired effects.
*Produce an engaging classroom.
· Yellow- optimal for learning, stimulates positive feelings
· Blue & Green- calming colors and concentration
· Pastel colors-concentration and focus
· Red and Orange - Increases blood pressure, respiration, perspiration, appetite, and brain wavelengths
· White, black, browns-produces lower scores
B. Use Optimal Lighting
· Natural sunlight is the best.
· Reduce the use of fluorescent lighting (agitates, stresses)
· Supplement with lamps when necessary.
C. Create a Home-like Atmosphere
· Incorporate personal artifacts (pictures, awards, etc…)
· Natural plants
· Alternative seating (groups, carpets, etc…)
D. Manipulatives- Visual-Spatial Intelligence
Ex. Models, maps, experiments, etc…
· Allow students to build and use manipulatives
· Increases understanding and retention of content
2. COMING TO YOUR SENSES
A. Incorporate Music- Students might complain at first if music is different, but ask for it later.
· Increase concentration, attention, energy
Ø Piano Melodies- relaxing, encourages positive learning environment (soft background music)
Ø Attention Getter- time for activity, signal of transition, noise level signal
Ø FYI: Be aware if a student is not able to focus
· Increase retention of knowledge learned
Ø Words of Songs-connection to content, recall
Ø Students’ creativity in creating lyrics, etc… to demonstrate knowledge learned
B. Aromatherapy-adapt environment for desired effect
· Lemon-energize
· Vanilla-concentration, reduces jitters before tests
· Lavender-relaxation
3. SPEAK YOUR MIND
A. Let students talk- Many discipline issues arise from communication. Use it to your advantage!
FYI: Students must repeat new knowledge learned a minimum of three times in order to internalize
· Brainstorm and Discussion- Monitor on-task behavior
Ø Students learn 90% of what they say or discuss as they are completing an activity.
· Reciprocal Teaching- Higher order thinking skills required
Ø Students learn 90% of what they teach to others
· Humor- Strengthens immune system and quality of one’s health, puts brain is a state of optimal growth
Ø Riddles, rhymes, and jokes-
§ Preferably related to content area
§ Use your class clown for something positive
§ Engage the class
§ Use to tap on background knowledge
§ Set the mood for learning
Ø Games- Increase motivation fro learning
§ Engage students while reviewing content
§ Get students laughing
B. Speak to the students-Create a caring and respectful relationship
· Greet them at the door with a welcome and a smile
· Speak in a calm tone despite behavior issues
Ø Separate the student from the misbehavior
Ø Earn students’ respect
· Change voice tone to constantly engage students
Ø Depending on the need (Instruction, modeling, student feedback, dialogue, etc...
Ideas for Incorporating Brain Compatible Strategies
The purpose of this study is to find effective ways of increasing instructional time and student engagement in the classroom in order to increase student comprehension and reduce misbehavior. This will result in a proliferation of student success which is the purpose of all educators.
1. Add 1-2 strategies at a time.
Ø It requires implementing continuously to form a habit.
Ø Be able to analyze effectiveness of particular strategy.
Ø Gives you time to adapt to your particular needs.
Ø Modify as necessary.
2. You don’t have to change your teaching style.
Ø Slowly adapt strategies to your needs so you feel comfortable.
Ø Don’t do something you don’t understand or like.
3. Analyze students’ reactions to new strategies.
Ø Is there an immediate reaction? (positive/negative)
Ø Did they notice?
4. Document daily if possible.
Ø Reflective Journaling helps recall questions, insights, suggestions, implementation anecdotes, patterns.
5. Discuss with colleagues.
Ø What is working?
Ø What isn’t working?
Ø Suggestions or Ideas?
Wilmes, B., Harrington, L., Kohler-Evans, P., & Kohler-Evans, P. (n.d.).
Coming to our senses: incorporating brain research findings into classroom instruction
. University of Central Arkansas, Conway, Arkansas, Retrieved
Tate, M. L. (2006). Shouting won\'t grow dendrites, 20 techniques for managing a brain-compatible classroom. Corwin Pr.
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