Online Resources
by Brandon T. 0
I found a few interesting sites in the course of my research for this weeks assignment. I truly hope that my contribution is useful to my classmates. Both articles I found on the Walden University ERIC database.
The first article The Effects of Brain-Based Learning on the Academic Achievement of Students with Different Learning Styles. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the effects of Brain-based learning (BBL) on the academic achievement of students with different learning styles. The study group consists of students from the department of Social Sciences Teacher Education in the Faculty of Education at Mugla University (N=68). In the study, a pre-test-post-test experimental design was used. Data were collected by using academic achievement tests and the Kolb's Experiential Learning Style questionnaire. The findings of the study revealed that the BBL approach used in the experimental group was more effective in increasing student achievement than the traditional approach used in the control group. However, no significant difference was observed among the achievement levels of the experimental group students with different learning styles. (Duman 2010)
I essentially chose this article because I thought it was appropriate discussion to bring up given the context of this course as well as, my profession as an educator. As an educator, knowing how are students learn is a key component to how an instruction should be delivered. Dr. Ormrod reminded us that “You have to know what people are thinking; not only what they’re thinking, but how they’re thinking about it” (Laureate Education, Inc., 2009). This study identifies the different learning styles of students and took a practical approach to instruction to maximize student achievement in the classroom. The results speak for itself. It worked. Knowing how the students learned benefitted the instructor as well as, the students in the long run.
References
Duman, B. (2010). The Effects of Brain-Based Learning on the Academic Achievement of Students with Different Learning Styles. Educational Sciences: Theory and Practice, 10(4), 2077-2103. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.
Laureate Education, Inc. Dr. J. Ormrod (2009). An Introduction to Learning (Video).
The article Integrating Whole Brain Teaching Strategies to Create a More Engaged Learning Environment. In today's postmodern society, it is getting harder and harder to get the students engaged in classroom instruction and learning. The purpose of this research project was to seek ways to create a more engaged learning environment for the students. The teacher-researcher integrated the most current educational reform "Whole Brain Teaching" method in classroom instruction and management for one whole week of research. It continued on to the succeeding weeks up until the present time. There were 26 fifth graders participated in this study. (Palasigue 2009)
Palasigue integrated what he learned from a seminar class on Whole Brain Teaching formally known as "Power Teaching" into the classroom. He set aside a full week of school to introduce his students to this new concept and Palasigue saw immediate positive results. The same students who he saw week one who doodled, fell asleep, fidgeted, said "I'm bored" were not exhibiting those behaviors we he took over the class during his student teaching experience. As a reflective practitioner I commend Palasigue for his innovative thinking and not being afraid to try something new.
References
Palasigue, J. (2009). Integrating Whole Brain Teaching Strategies to Create a More Engaged Learning Environment. Online Submission, Retrieved from EBSCOhost.
