Page 22 - The Creative Training Idea Book Inspired Tips and Techniques for Engaging and Effective Learning

lucas chap 01 11/20/02 11:26 AM Page 11
Table 1-3. Top 10 Ways to Turn on Your SUPERBRAIN
Throughout this book you will read about the brain and its functioning, as well as its impact on learning.
The following models summarizes and expands many concepts about the brain. It was written by Mark
Conyers of Brainsmart in Winter Park, Florida. He studies and educates on the brain and how learning
occurs.
Seeing is believing and learning. Ninety percent of learning is visual. Our eyes register 36,000 visual
impressions per hour. Eighty-five percent of the brain is wired for visual processing. The retina accounts
for 40% of all nerves connected to the brain. Color and movement boost learning.
Unconscious learning is 99% of the process. At any one time, we focus on seven to nine bits of
information consciously. Only 1% of brain cells do conscious processing. Nonverbal cues and positive
suggestion are critical to success. Eighty-two percent of classroom communication is nonverbal.

Preferred learning styles include visual, auditory, and kinesthetic modes. There are at least eight
intelligences: verbal linguistic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, mathematical–logical, musical–rhythmic,
spatial, bodily kinesthetic, and naturalist. The new question is not how smart I am, but how am I smart?
Emotional states bind learning. Peak learning happens in peak states when the brain is in high chal-
lenge and low stress. During stress/threat, blood can move away from frontal lobes, thereby reducing
the ability to think clearly or recall information.
Rhythm. Music allows us to encode information effortlessly. The brain naturally works in 90-minute
cycles. Brain Gym can balance the brain. Listening to Mozart may boost memory and thinking. Music
at 60 beats per minute may maximize retention.
Brain sex. The male brain is great at hunting (video games, throwing things at other things), and tight
focus. The female brain is great for seeing, listening, memorizing, reading, nonverbal cues, and articu-
lating emotion. Build on strengths. Viva la difference!
Recall. The brain is able to retain the equivalent of 500 Encyclopedia Britannica. Recall is best achieved
when it is accessed in the state that it was stored; when multiple search engines are used, when knowl-
edge is organized as a pattern, SUPERBRAIN; and when it is embedded in context. Also, information
must be meaningful, and meaning is in the mind of the learner. The first, last, and most outstanding
items are remembered most often.
Novelty, curiosity, and relevance to immediate survival boost attention. Notice how talk shows and
news headlines exploit these techniques. Use movement and stand in different locations to boost
attention in the classroom. Add relevant spin to your material to hook and keep attention. Leave plenty
of time for reflection and integration of new material.
Imagination is more important than intelligence, as Albert Einstein suggested. Visualizing success, as
well as writing down goals, are critical steps. The 3% of Yale students who had clear written goals had,
20 years later, 97% of the wealth. Optimism is primarily a left-brain activity. Depression is primarily a
right-brain activity.
Nutrition is crucial to effective learning. The brain’s super fuel is oxygen. Its next most important need is
water; dehydration lowers learner performance. Protein helps boost memory and attention. Carbohy-
drates tend to promote release of the relaxant serotonin (hence drowsiness after lunch). Fruit is an
excellent source of energy that requires minimal digestion. The brain needs high-quality omega 3 and
omega 6 essential fatty acids.

Reprinted With Permission. Conyers, M., http//www.brainsmart.com/superbr.html

11