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LORAINE MEDINA
EDU417: COGNITIVE
STUDIES CAPSTONE
INSTRUCTOR: MAUREEN
LIENAU
JUNE 6, 2016

PRESENTATION PURPOSE:
Introduce brain-compatible learning to
educators.
Importance and benefit of BrainCompatible Learning.
Information Processing Model
Modifying a lesson plan to support
brain-compatible learning.
Techniques to benefit students and
educators.

B R A I N C O M PAT I B L E E D U C AT I O N

HELLO EDUCATORS,
My name is Loraine Medina. I attended Ashford
University and acquired a Bachelors Degree in
Cognitive Studies. As an educator for grades k5, I have proven success implementing braincompatible learning in the curriculum. It is
highly essential to capitalize students
education. I feel confident that I will increase
your knowledge using this approach and how to
incorporate B.C.L. in the instruction.
My long-term goal is to acquire my Master's
Degree in Special Education and work as a SEIT.
Lastly, my education and work experience has
been highly beneficial since I can apply that
knowledge in school and at home with my son.
brainbasedsuccess.com

B R A I N C O M PAT I B L E E D U C AT I O N

BRAIN COMPATIBLE LEARNINGOVERVIEW

Brain-compatible learning is focused on the natural learning

abilities of the brain and it is based on a diverse mix of techniques.

Students learning progress differently as they age and mature. For

that reason, this teaching method is based on how the brain learns
and influential factors (genetic & environmental).

This approach provides educators with the ability to connect with

students emotions, experiences and personal lives.

In the article it states, there is no separation of brain, mind, body,

feelings, social contacts, or their respective environments. That
assertion is old school, "turf-based," and outdated. If the research
involves the brain in anyway, it is "brain-based." The brain is
involved in everything we do. Brain compatible learning principles
should be applied to all classrooms. (Eric Jensen, 2008)

B R A I N C O M PAT I B L E E D U C AT I O N

COMPARE/CONTRAST TRADITIONAL
LEARNING TO BRAIN-COMPATIBLE
LEARNING
Compare:

Traditional classroom and brain-compatible learning should differentiate teaching for

his/her students.

Both learning should focus on individual and group practices to strengthen optimum
learning experience.

Contrast:

Traditional learning

Displays limited techniques to comprehend the lesson.

Teaching is similar, even though they are at different cognitive levels.

Brain-compatible learning

Focuses on each students cognitive ability.

The article mentions, although traditional techniques have been successfully practiced for
many years, our increasing knowledge of neurological processes and their contribution to the
learning process should be recognized and acted upon to increase learning among the student
population. (Robin McDaniel, 2008)

B R A I N C O M PAT I B L E E D U C AT I O N

FACTORS THAT IMPACT LEARNING:

NEUROTRANSMITTERS- DOPAMINE
Dopamine:

Neurotransmitters in the brain are chemicals

responsible for exchanging information from one
area of the brain to another. In the article it states,
Dopamine is about more than just pleasure. Its also
central to learning. When the brain is rewarded
unexpectedly, dopamine surges, prompting the
Limbic reward system to take note in order to
remember how to replicate the positive experience.
In contrast, negative encounters deplete dopamine
as a signal to avoid repeating them. This is a key
learning mechanism which is also involves memoryformation and motivation. (Addict Science, 2008)

Plays vital roles in certain behaviors such as:

-Movement

-Motivation

-Cognition
-Pleasure

B R A I N C O M PAT I B L E E D U C AT I O N

NEUROTRANSMITTERS: SEROTONIN
Serotonin:

Is necessary to stabilize and boost mood.

Additionally, it creates healthy sleeping patters.

Many foods contain Tryptophan; it is essential

to eat foods high in tryptophan to boost
serotonin levels.

Vegetables, nuts, dairy and eggs are protein

rich foods and it increases serotonin levels.

B R A I N C O M PAT I B L E E D U C AT I O N

NEUROTRANSMITTERS: ACETYLCHOLINE
Acetylcholine:
Deals with learning, memory and muscle movement.
Is it important in forming new memory. It holds on to new
memory and boosts levels to enhance memory.
Regulates attention, sleep, learning, dreams.
The article mentions, in the brain, acetylcholine is produced
in several locations including the basal forebrain. It may
promote learning. Acetylcholine-producing cells in the
basal forebrain are damaged in the early stages of
Alzheimer's disease, which may contribute to the memory
impairments which are an early symptom of the disease.
(Catherine E. Myers, 2006)

B R A I N C O M PAT I B L E E D U C AT I O N

FACTORS THAT IMPACT LEARNING:

BEHAVIOR

Behavior is anything you SAY or DO.

It is how we react to the environment.

Behaviors are often LEARNED and continue

because they serve a purpose of function.

We engage in behavior because we have

learned that a desired outcome occurs.

Behaviors occur because they are signaled by

an event in the environment and reinforced by
consequences.
Source: Floridas PBS Project at USF 20032004

B R A I N C O M PAT I B L E E D U C AT I O N

FACTORS THAT IMPACT LEARNING:

NEUROPLASTICITY
Its based on creating new connections between
neurons and the brain.
Brain-compatible learning increases the brains ability
to absorb information.
It molds and promotes growth to students brain over
time.
The brain continuously adapts to its changing
environment.
Repetition, context, knowledge about the brain and
incorporating physical activity is crucial to encourage
and achieve long-term storage and retrieval in memory.

B R A I N C O M PAT I B L E E D U C AT I O N

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FACTORS THAT IMPACT LEARNING:

SLEEP AND NUTRITION

It is essential for healthy mind and body.

Good attitude

High energy level.

Enthusiasm and freedom from anxiety.

Regulation of bowel movements.

Promotes optimal learning performance.

Complex thought processes are more active.

B R A I N C O M PAT I B L E E D U C AT I O N

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BENEFIT OF BRAIN-COMPATIBLE
SETTINGS

Learners will understand better.

Learners are more engaged and energized.

Learners are more confident.

Learners are more motivated and long-term

retrieval is faster.

Learners have higher self-esteem

Learners will have fun!

B R A I N C O M PAT I B L E E D U C AT I O N

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INFORMATION PROCESSING MODAL

Humans are similar to a computer-analyzes and
processes are similar. Additionally, it deals with
sequence of event and retrieval of new information.

B R A I N C O M PAT I B L E E D U C AT I O N

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MODIFIED LESSON PLAN

I have created a brain-compatible interactive game for

increased learning. Additionally, I have modified an online
lesson plan to accommodate students with special needs.
This approach highly motivates and provides repetition for
learners to engage in brain-compatible learning.

Modified Lesson Plan:

lormedi86.weebly.com/-brain-compatible-strategies

Brainrush game:

http://www.brainrush.com/lesson/play/environmental-science-2

B R A I N C O M PAT I B L E E D U C AT I O N

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CONCLUSION

Environment and neurochemicals play a huge

role in how children learn and behave and the
adults they become. It influences brain
development and neuroplasticity

Brain-compatible learning gives encourages the

educator to meet each childs needs and form a
foundation.

This approach includes a variety of teaching

techniques to always keep students and
educators engaged, involved, motivated and
skilled.

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REFERENCE:

Catherine E. Myers. (2006). Memory Loss and the Brain

Dopamine.(2008). Retrieved from

http://www.addictscience.com/dopamine-learning/

Jensen, Eric, P. (2008). A Fresh Look At Brain-Based

Education.

McDaniel, Robin. (2008). Brain-Based Learning Vs.

Traditional Learning.

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