DIFFERENTIATION & BRAIN BASED LEARNING
Brain Based Learning
According to Eric Jensen in Teaching with the Brain in Mind, there are seven critical components to the learning process. Without effectively using each of these components, the effectiveness of lessons can be decreased. Teaching with these components in mind ensures teachers that all aspects of brain function are being covered. Teaching these seven factors to students are a key component in the classroom.
The 7 Critical Factors
Engagement- Engagement creates happier students and keeps students learning with material they enjoy. Engaging students helps them pay close attention to the learning opportunity and focuses their attention.
Repetition- Students need repeated exposure to content before comprehending right away. Repetition includes pre-exposure, previewing, priming, reviewing, and revising.
Input Quantity- The amount of information given to students must be give in chunks not all at one time. Research has found that our brains can only absorb three to seven chunks of information.
Coherence- Relating new information to something students already know provides a more authentic and meaningful learning experience.
Timing- Knowing students abilities and how they learn, to know how to plan lessons and activities throughout the day.
Error Correction- Provides immediate feedback to help correct errors in students work.
Emotional States- Knowing student’s emotional states help teachers enhance learning. As teachers, we need to be aware of their states so we can make sure they feel loved and cared for.
Differentiation
Differentiation is defined as providing students will different ways of learning all while learning the same information that is being taught. Differentiation in the classroom looks different in the process and product but still learning the same content that everyone else is. Allowing for differentiation helps students learn to their specific learning style and to be able to comprehend what is being taught.
Content
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How the teacher delivers the instruction
Examples: Using songs, movement, videos, technology, going outside. This includes anything that will help students learn the content rather than just aper and pencil. This helps students who are kinesthetic, auditory, and visual learners.
Process
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How the students use what they have just learned
Examples: Lit circles, graphic organizers, kinesthetic activities, flip books.
Product
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How students demonstrate what they have learned
Examples: Presentations, videos, song, dance, pictures, popplets. This includes different ways students can turn in a product besides a worksheet.
Examples of differentiating instruction
