Brain Based Vs. Traditional Learning

Brain based learning vs. Traditional methods-Should Brain based teaching replace traditional method? Traditional teaching methods have dominated the educational system since the beginning of formal instruction. This type of teaching is based on the assumption that all individuals learn in the same way. We are exposed in a very similar manner, whether visually or spatially, to a variety of stimuli and we are all expected to absorb this information in like amounts. Although this teaching style is common and accepted it may not be the best way to promote learning among a wide variety of students. Brain based learning is a non-traditional approach that has gained acceptance among some within the scientific community. This technique states that learning is not always achieved by the same means for every individual. Many experts feel that traditional teaching is small minded. "They are not big enough to enable children to respond to their real questions about life and they are not spirit-ful enough to enable children to see how they "belong" to the world and one another". (Dr. Robert Kiely and Anthony DiSanto 1999). Some people may do well when exposed to verbal cues, whereas others will respond to visual stimuli. This information was gained through various independent studies among children with healthy brains. I will conduct online research, interview elementary school teachers, and use print sources to gain information on this topic for my report.

Problem

By limiting our teaching to more traditional methods, rather than those based on biological and scientific reasoning, we may be limiting the potential of our children at the elementary school level and beyond. Numerous young people are not promoted to the next grade each year due to the failure to learn. Some experts feel traditional teaching methods have fallen short. "Teaching without an awareness of how the brain learns is like designing a glove with no sense of what a hand looks like-its shape , how it moves". Human Brain and Human Learning (1983), Leslie Hart Our teaching methods need updating. Brain based learning proponents would like to increase student success through the implementation of their programs; however, this method is not widely accepted by educators or administrators within the school system.

Feasibility

Because the Brain based learning method would require some initial training for educators the initial educational expenses may rise. But, should the program prove successful as those who support it expect it will, the overall costs over time will gradually decrease as more children learn successfully. Less money will need to be spent on programs that benefit the underachiever since more children will achieve academic progress.

Target Audience

All of my audiences will be somewhat receptive to the information I have attained, and I do not anticipate any resistance to the topic.

My primary audience is Professor Patricia Joyce, an instructor at Broward Community College. She may benefit from the information contained in my report since it pertains, in an indirect fashion, to her profession.

My secondary audience will be the teachers and administrators at Tradewinds Elementary School, where my son is a student. Although they may feel that their teaching methods are adequate, I have found most educators somewhat receptive to constructive advice, especially when the advice is supported by scientific evidence.

Topics to Investigate

I will answer these questions in my report:

Ø What is the difference between Brain Based Learning and Traditional Learning methods?

Ø How could the Brain Based approach best be implemented?

Ø What are the pros and cons of both methods?

Ø Why should we choose the Brain Based Learning approach?

I will discuss the good and bad points of both methods of teaching, and the reasons that change is so important to address within our educational environment. I will base these evaluations on information obtained through reliable scientific sources, as well as personal interviews.

Methods

I expect to gather information for my report from three sources: 1) Interviews with teachers at Tradewinds Elementary School, 2) online sources, and 3) library research.

Sources

Chipongian, Lisa, "What is "Brain Based Learning"? 2004. http://www.brainconnection.com/topics/?main=fa/brain-based

Bruer, John T., "In Search of...Brain Based Education". 1999 http://www.pdkintl.org/kappan/kbru9905.htm

Winters, Clyde A., "Brain Based Teaching: Fad or Promising Teaching Method", 2001.

Dr Kiely, Robert and DiSanto, Anthony, 1999. Qualifications

I am an Education major at Broward Community College in Coconut Creek, Florida. I am also a mother of an elementary school age child and have had extensive volunteering experience within the school system

Work schedule

My plan for completing the report by the final due date:

Action Plan

Research and acquire information

10 hours

October 30

Analyze information

5 hours

November 5

Write a rough draft

5 hours

November 10

Create graphs/charts

3 hours

November 15

Edit draft

5 hours

November 25

Proofread

5 hours

December 5

Prepare PowerPoint presentation

5 hours

December 7

Call to Action

Could we please arrange a time to discuss my proposal? I would appreciate any advice you could supply to help me gain approval for my final report.