In our recent book: "Think Big, Start Small: How to Differentiate Instruction in a Brain-Friendly Classroom,” (Solution Tree, 2011) Gayle
Gregory and I share ideas about how to use brain-compatible strategies and student
profiles to maximize learning! We know that each learner’s brain is wired based
on the various life experiences he or she has had. We believe that learning can
be maximized when the perfect intersection of high interest, focused attention,
prior knowledge, and positive emotions occurs for the student. This “sweet
spot” can be elusive for many students and teachers, but when found – on
accident, or with purpose – the student is engaged and learning just happens.
Finding each learner’s unique sweet spot can be a game-changer in the
classroom.
Teachers can find the sweet spot by gathering information
about the learner using a formal student profile, collecting informal
anecdotal observations, or simply executing a trial-and-error approach. By determining how success was achieved
in the past, and by using a “best guess,” “common sense.” approach – teachers
may be able to orchestrate a learning experience that will engage each learner. This entry point of interest might
possibly be the tipping point and maximize learning.
We believe teachers can determine and target each learner’s
sweet spot by investigating four areas of prior experiences. The areas to
consider are:
1. Affective:
Does the learner have positive feelings and memories about the type of task or
activity to be done? Does the learner have a history of prior successes with
learning and school?
2. Attention: What types of stimuli are
most likely to attract and engage this particular learner?
3. Interest: Does the learner have adequate
prior knowledge? Will he or she find the concept or content to be relevant? Is
it personally meaningful?
4. Prior experience: Has the learner had
prior positive experiences with the type of task or activity to be completed?
Has the learner demonstrated a preference for particular choice activities or
processing opportunities -Visual, Auditory, Kinesthetic or Multiple
Intelligences?
KNOW THY LEARNER
Knowing
what your students are involved with, and what activities they engage in outside
of school can be a valuable resource when trying to hook students’ interest and
promote engagement. At professional development sessions with middle and high
school teachers, I ask them do a Round Robin Brainstorm activity using the
chart below. How much do you know
about your students? How many of the prompts can you answer? Doing the
brainstorm in a group helps teachers create a repertoire of ideas, pop culture
terms, and a knowledge base of what many of the kids might me into.
A teacher’s job is to see how and when these terms and
experiences might be used to get a student’s attention. Integrating Lady Gaga’s
name into a math problem, analyzing the idiomatic expressions used by the
Jersey Shore characters, or using the Angry Bird’s game to illustrate
trajectory… will let students know that you are paying attention to who they
are and what kinds of things are interesting to them.
In his book, “Why Students Don’t Like School,” (Jossey-Bass,
2009) Daniel Willingham says that catering to students’ interests promotes
positive connections between student and teacher. Do you “know thy learner?’ Make a commitment this week to
embed their interests and pop culture references into a few lessons. See if
they smile and appreciate the connection!
- Check out Anthony A. Luscre’s (Technology Horizons in Education) Blog about using Technology to engage students. http://thejournal.com/articles/2012/01/20/omg-engaging-students-on-their-own-terms.aspx
- Here’s another great video clip of Sir Ken Robinson describing how we might target a learner’s talent and change his/her life! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9v6QehKeqU
- Get a copy of the new book "Think BIG, Start Small" on the Begin with the Brain web site - on sale now!
