the learning brain - hints for building a learning environment...
1.
Vision is one of the most important senses and therefore light levels can have a massive impact on our comfort. Research has shown that the standard fluorescent lighting often found in classrooms is far from ideal. Data suggests that soft, full spectrum lighting is optimal for learning.
2.
The colour of our learning materials is thought to have an effect on how we feel. Colours such as red, orange and yellow are thought to activate more of the brain, whilst blue, green and violet are thought to be more relaxing. Blue light has been shown to improve attention and is lacking in standard fluorescent lighting.
3.
Whilst some research in animals and people has shown that the presence of background noise or music can have a positive effect on learning (Mozart Effect), this is still controversial and some people will prefer to work in complete silence.
4.
Stress can make it very difficult for the brain to learn and so it is important to make the learning environment feel safe. That is not to say, it should be a secure unit but rather a safe place to make errors in understanding.
5.
Stress must not be confused with arousal; children must be aroused enough to be attending to information in order to learn it efficiently. One way to ensure this is to arouse their curiosity in a subject and give the work personal significance to them.
6.
Allow the pupil some autonomy over their own learning as this will likely improve motivation. This can be in a way in which they develop their own learning environment, for example ask them to develop a way of best displaying certain information. Some pupils may choose a physical model, whilst others may opt for a drawn or written description.
<< Go Back