Professional Documents
Culture Documents
A Review of
Jonathan West
Overview of article
The article “Brain function and adult learning: Implications for practice” by Kathleen
Taylor (2006) seeks to connect the functioning of the brain with adult learning methods primarily
associated with meaningful learning. The author defines meaningful learning and then examines
different learning practices and conditions which she suggests contribute towards it. The practices
the author explores in this context are constructivism and experiential learning; narrative, journals,
reflection. The author then reviews the role of emotion and how it can influence learning and
Meaningful Learning
Taylor references neuroscience’s observation that learning at the synaptic level is always about
creating lasting neural connections or memory. She notes that this definition could also apply to
behavioral training involving stimulus and reward as well as learning involving the creation of
meaning through self-reflection. The author chose to focus on meaningful learning, specifically
learning that promotes greater cognitive complexity, “in other words, learning that changes not just
what people know but how they know” (original emphasis, Taylor, 2006, p. 72) Taylor’s interest is
in changes that go beyond the acquisition of specific content for a learner and connect with the
overarching goals of adult learning. Some of these goals are described as the realization that
knowledge is constructed rather than gotten or given; the understanding that development and
learning are valuable life-long aspirations; and the capacity to examine one’s own beliefs. Taylor
suggests that educators that have a developmental interest will be better able to help their learners
comprehend and take effective action to the challenges and conditions of a global world. A key
RUNNING HEAD: Review of Developing Authenticity as a Transformative Process
premise for the article is that recent findings in brain research appear to link best practices in adult
Recent brain research (although there are opposing views) confirms the basic premise of
constructivism – that learning is formed in the mind of the learner. While there are many elements
from the outside that contribute such as lectures, books, and media as well as sociocultural
influences, Taylor suggests that if such “data are not connected to neural networks as meaningful
information they are not really learned, in the sense that information is useful for little but recall”
(Taylor, 2006, p. 73). Data that have limited meaning, and therefore limited neural pathways, are
most often only accessible for recall for a short timeframe. There are exceptions to this
generalization found in rote learning like math tables or mnemonics. However, in order for
learning to be meaningful and lasting together, according to how the brain represents images, it
should be experienced.
Taylor then connects neuroscience’s view on the brain’s architecture suggested by James
Zull to David Kolb’s learning cycle. Zull portrays the brain design that supports four cornerstones
of learning which he calls “gathering, reflecting, creating, and testing” (Taylor, 2006, p. 73). Zull’s
four pillars correspond to the four stages in Kolb’s learning cycle, concrete experience, reflective
observation, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation. Zull suggests, “a teacher must
start with the existing networks of neurons in a learner’s brain, because they are the physical form
of her prior knowledge” (in Taylor, 2006, p. 73). This first step corresponds with Kolb’s stage of
concrete experience.
However, most instructors introduce new content to adult learners in a way that seems
more like a literature review – starting with the big picture, placing it in context with the wider
RUNNING HEAD: Review of Developing Authenticity as a Transformative Process
field of their expertise, and then focusing on specifics. They then show the connections to previous
course material and relate it to what will follow. In such cases, rather than concentrating on what
the learner understands, instructors concentrate on what they themselves understand, and assume
that the learner is moving in that direction. In these situations the learner’s concrete experience is
likely just listening to the instructor make meaning. Taylor points out that “if adult learners are not
given the opportunity to create such an experience or encouraged to find existing connections that
they can build on, they may revert to treating the material as something to be memorized rather
Research suggests that the brain symbolizes experience and that doing comes before
understanding, especially in the development of thought. Interactions with the world through our
biological, psychological, and social systems do not entail direct transmission of information. First
we much make meaning of the information before it develops into our own. Taylor suggests that
based on the findings of brain functioning, it would be more effective to start with an experience
than starting with the instructor’s ‘big picture’. This would allow the adult learner to ‘back into’
new material rather than confront it head-on with very little context (Taylor, 2006).
A thoughtfully structured activity facilitated by the educator could allow the learners to
draw out a framework from their common experience that informs an assignment to read relevant
theories on a subject. The course texts or materials would then become an expansion of the
learning already embodied, first from their own experience and then from the shared experience of
the facilitated class activity. Such and experience that anticipates connections between what adult
learners know already – that is, what they have experienced through their bodies and minds – and
new material is more probable to help them move from passive to active readers. In a sense, their
synapses have been primed so further study is more than just a task, but rather likely to be of
networks based on prior experiences and it could be just as effective to connect to new information
through listening to a lecture, reading, or even just thinking as having a more concrete experience.
As a result of this the author proposes that experienced-based learning strategies are not confined
to introducing new material. Learning can be enhanced by activities that utilize tacit or prior
knowledge. One category of such activities is founded on personal narrative and writing-to-learn
(Taylor, 2006).
Taylor looks at the four teaching and learning tools of narrative, journals, autobiography,
and writing-to-learn a group because they all are characterized by learning through articulation.
These four approaches are considered forms of the narrative process. The article links these
approaches to how the brain changes and learns. The focus in this section points out how narrative
based learning methods build and rebuild neural networks integrating thoughts, feelings,
sensations, and behaviors. One feature of these approaches is to increase self awareness through
making explicit aspects of the self that were previously implicit or hidden. As a result more
inclusive and flexible ways of knowing are developed. Another feature of using one of the forms of
narrative is that by telling and retelling our stories there is the possibility of editing our narratives
and potentially finding new ways of experiencing ourselves and our lives. By telling a different
story there is the possibility of changing perceptions of the self. This can be a powerful influence
Nonveridical Learning
The author points out that most teaching concentrates on veridical learning or getting the
correct answers to problems which have been designed for that purpose. Brain research suggests
that getting precise answers uses a different part of the brain than choices involving interpretation,
RUNNING HEAD: Review of Developing Authenticity as a Transformative Process
approximation, and comparison. Looking for exact answers uses the part of the brain associated
with memory and the concrete past. Whereas exploring open-ended problems with many possible
solutions – the kinds of problems likely to occur in the real world – requires reflection and uses a
part of the brain that makes choices, plans, and decisions and looks imaginatively towards the
future which. Using approaches such as case studies and problem-based learning that include
reflection on learning as a process are likely to increase neural network development (Taylor,
2006).
Neuroscience assumes that optimal health and functioning are linked with the
communication and integration of neural systems dedicated to sensation, cognition, behavior, and
emotion. Psychology considers that integration is the capacity to experience life using a minimum
of defensiveness. According to Mezirow, transformational learning can lead to points of view that
are increasingly, “inclusive, discriminating, and integrative of experience [as well as open] to
Transformational learning focuses on practices that make meaning based on discourse and
critical reflection. A significant aspect of such reflective learning is to discover and challenge one’s
own and others assumptions as a stage in developing new meaning perspectives. New meaning
perspectives can lead to more complex ways of knowing and understanding. Neuroscience
suggests that the process of developing new meaning most likely occurs in the ‘executive brain’
where it can manipulate and transform models of the world it has created. The work of questioning
assumptions is different than simply acquiring knowledge or modifying behavior. It can ultimately
lead to more compelling choices for a learner. However, developing different perspectives is often
and thinking is to reflect on and question presuppositions. Taylor suggests that learning situations
must be constructed to include such premise reflection. In today’s world of constant change and
challenge learning that is meaningful, substantive, and lasting and can alter how people understand
themselves and their world. This type of learning can be a transformative catalyst, bringing a
learner into greater self-awareness and greater awareness of their relation to the wider world
(Taylor, 2006).
Brain research suggests that emotions are integrally connected with learning. If the brain is
activated in a positive way, emotions can enhance learning. However, if there is perceived threat
then emotions will be activated that will cause the brain to be less available for learning. Long-
connected with experience. If negative emotions such as anxiety or defensiveness are present, the
neural networks connected with the higher brain functions will not perform effectively. If higher
brain functions are not working the possibility for changes in our ways of knowing are limited. “A
safe and empathic relationship establishes emotional and neurobiological context conducive to the
work of neural reorganization. It serves as a buffer and scaffolding within which [an adult] can
better tolerate the stress required for neural reorganization” (Cozolino in Taylor, 2006, original
emphasis, p. 82).
Larry Daloz characterizes the relationship of learner and teacher in the following account:
longer view teaching as the bestowal of it. If learning is about growth and growth requires trust,
then teaching is about engendering trust, about nurturance – caring for growth. Teaching is thus
preeminently an act of care” (Daloz in Taylor, 2006, p. 82). However, this nurturance and care
RUNNING HEAD: Review of Developing Authenticity as a Transformative Process
needs to involve adequate challenge. The nurturing atmosphere is also described as a ‘holding
I found the article to be fascinating in that it helped to connect some different areas of
interest and experiences that I have had. I have had an ongoing interest in experiential and
transformative learning as well as the reflective process and the importance of positive climate.
While the literature has espoused the value of these practices and there has been research to
support these ideas, neuroscience seems to give more substance to the relevance of and
interrelatedness of each.
For example, I have used a modified Kolb cycle in the design of some experiential learning
activities. The piece mentioned in the article about having learner’s connect with their prior
experience before introducing new material or concepts confirmed some of my own experiences. I
have found that creating an activity that connects an individual learner with their own prior
experience as well as the experiences of others in the group, helps to engage learners in an active
way and prepare them for exploring new material. I have also seen that creating an atmosphere of
respect and trust seems to allow learners to be more open to alternate perspectives and even
question their own assumptions. While adult learning theory and literature proposes some of the
points made in the article, I often had intuitive evidence based on my own experience of the value.
adult learning relating to deeper meaning making, I do have a little hesitancy in fully accepting the
articles conclusions, despite my own interest. I think this questioning encourages my interest to
read some the recently published findings on the neurobiology of learning and also see if there are
There are several ways I can use the information in Taylor’s article in my teaching. The
first would to consider how to include more experiential activities in curriculum design. A second
point that I will take from this article is to incorporate the questioning of premises, discussion, and
critical reflection into learning events. Another key idea that I will explore how to utilize is the use
of various forms of narrative. The last main point is to consider further how to put into practice
teaching as an act of care. A important aspect to see that any of the above interests actually come to
I know that I have interests in putting into action the practices mentioned above, however, I
realize that there may be some of my own assumptions or presuppositions that could hinder this
interest. The continued practice of discussion, critical reflection, and critical self-reflection will
help to ensure the possibility of incorporating some of the practices from Taylor’s article in the
References
Taylor, K. (2006). Brain Function and Adult Learning: Implications for Practice. New Directions