Meet Me In The Middle: Chapter 3

Abstract:

Thanks to science we now know a lot about how the human brain works and how it works at various stages during our lives. In this chapter Wormeli shows us how to use the middle school students brain to optimize our classroom structure and learning. Wormeli states that physical factors such as hydration can effect learning in the classroom and how the brain stores information - so the notion of having no food or drink in the classroom is a bit archaic. Wormeli suggests that we use memory tricks such as chunking so that students will actually remember (or truly learn) what we do in class rather than store in short term memory for a test. Using Blooms Taxonomy is also another tool for understanding brain-based-learing that he offers teachers.

Reflection:

I think that teachers should really know how their students brain works in order to be effective teachers. If we are trying to cultivate, inspire, and help grow this particular organ than we should really know what we are dealing with. I really like brain-based-learning. I don't really think that anyone should put all of their eggs in one basket so to speak but I think understanding the brain is extremely important as an educator.