John Medina's best-selling Brain Rules describes 12 rules about the brain and its functioning that scientists all agree on. This easy-to-read book explains how we can make changes in our daily lives that will improve our quality of life enormously. This overview will give you a taste of what the book contains.
Rule 1: Exercise- Exercise boosts brain power.
As new research findings are released, it becomes crystal clear: Our bodies are meant to move much more than our current society requires. Turns out our brains are stimulated by movement as well. Add a 20-minute walk to your schedule and reduce your risk of stroke by 57%. Get aerobic exercise twice a week and cut your risk of Alzheimer's by 60%. Any exercise will improve your brain functioning if you are a couch potato.
Rule 2: Survival- The human brain evolved, too.
Humans have adapted and developed large brains to compensate for our weak bodies. Our ability to reason symbolically has allowed us to coordinate with each and understand each others' motivations and intentions.
Rule 3: Wiring- Every brain is wired differently.
Every human brain is unique. Our experiences and our learning physically change our brains. We don't store information in the same way. Our brains don't mature at the same speed.
Rule 4: Attention- We don't pay attention to boring things.
The brain is programmed to notice differences because they might signal a potential threat. We tune out when exposed to the same thing for too long. Learning is tied to emotions. We remember learning that is fun, novel, different. The brain is a pattern-seeker. If we can't fit new learning into a pattern it isn't likely to be remembered.
Rule 5: Short-term memory- Repeat to remember.
There are many different aspects to memory. We know that if we don't process memories by encoding and storing them so they can be retrieved, we won't be able to remember them. Memories are not stored in one part of the brain, but split into fragments and stored throughout the brain. We remember events better if they are tied to an emotion. If you are having trouble remembering something putting yourself back in the same environment may help you remember.
Rule 6: Long-term memory- Remember to repeat.
Our memories are not nearly as reliable as we think they are. It may take up to 10 years for memories to become permanently fixed.
Rule 7: Sleep- Sleep well, think well.
Loss of sleep is a major problem for adults and negatively impacts our memory, mood, focus, attention, reasoning and motor dexterity.
Rule 8: Stress- Stressed brains don't learn the same way.
Our modern lifestyle creates stressful situations that don't dissipate. Stress builds on the previous day's stress until it becomes a chronic situation. Adrenaline and cortisol damage caused by chronic stress can lead to heart attack. stroke, memory loss and impaired ability to learn.
Rule 9: Sensory Integration- Stimulate more of the senses.
Our past experiences impact our perception of current events. You can experience something with a friend but your perception of the event may be very different than your friend's perception. The more senses that are involved in a learning situation the better the learning. Our sense of smell is hugely important.
Rule 10: Vision- Vision trumps all other senses.
Over half of our brain's resources are devoted to vision. It is by far the most important of our senses. Vision is impacted by the brain and what we think we see may not be totally accurate. We learn and remember best through pictures, not words.
Rule 11: Gender- Male and female brains are different.
There are many differences between male and female brains. Male and female brains respond differently to stressful situations.
Rule 12: Exploration- We are powerful and natural explorers.
Just like babies, we learn best through exploring our environment, observing and taking different actions to test the results. We possess mirror neurons that enable us to recognize and imitate behavior. Adults continue to create new neurons and learn new things throughout our entire lives.
Barbara is a professional speaker, seminar/workshop presenter, staff development trainer with 32 years of classroom experience.
Her book, A Teacher's Book of 10s: Best ways to Do Everything in Your Classroom, will be published in the summer of 2011.
Contact Barbara at http://www.barbaratoney.com
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