UN

DERSTANDIN

G THE BRAIN

Understanding the brain and how it

affects your learning

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1 3Our learning can be affected by our habits of mind which include our attitudes to learning and study.

Habits of Mind

VAK

We are dominant in one of three dispositions: Visual, Auditory, Kinesthetic

Multiple Intelligences

There are multiple ways of learning and we may be dominant in one or more of these

Hemispheric Dominance

We are more dominant on the right hand or left hand side of the brain.

APPROACHES TO

LEARNIN

G STYLES

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Kinesthetic persons learn best through a hands-on approach, actively exploring the physical world around them. They may find it hard to sit still for long periods and may become distracted by their need for activity and exploration.

Learn best through verbal lectures, discussions, talking things through and listening to what others have to say. Auditory learners interpret the underlying meanings of speech through listening to tone of voice, pitch, speed and other nuances. Written information may have little meaning until it is heard. These learners often benefit from reading text aloud and using a tape recorder.

These learners need to see the teacher's body language and facial expression to fully understand the content of a lesson. They tend to prefer sitting at the front of the classroom to avoid visual obstructions (e.g. people's heads). They may think in pictures and learn best from visual displays including: diagrams, illustrated text books, overhead transparencies, videos, flipcharts and hand-outs. During a lecture or classroom discussion, visual learners often prefer to take detailed notes to absorb the information.

Kinesthetic

AUDITORY

Visual

VISUAL / AUDITO

RY /KINESTHETIC

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IntrapersonalYour learn better on your own than with other people

IntrapersonalYou learn better when you are in a group. You learn from each other.

Logical / mathematicalYou learn best using numbers, diagrams and logic. You are usually good at Maths

Verbal / LinguisticYou learn best by using words and writing. You usually love to read

BRAIN PU

ZZLE INFO

GRAPHICS

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SpatialLearn best when you use colours, shapes and diagrams.

MusicalLearn best when you are listening to music or using music or rhythm to remember information.

NaturalistLearn best when connected to the outdoors and nature

TransformationalLearn best when you have a deep understanding about ‘how you tick”.

BRAIN PU

ZZLE INFO

GRAPHICS

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Right-brain dominant people are guided by the more emotional, intuitive right hemisphere

Left-brain people respond in sequential, logical ways, guided by the left hemisphere.

LEFT BRAIN /RIGHT BRAIN DOMINANCE

According to recent research, people who are right brain dominant and those who are left brain dominant process information and respond in different ways.

By understanding your dominant brain type, you may be able to adjust your study methods, and perhaps shape your schedule and schoolwork, to suit your own personality type.

BRAIN DO

MIN

ANCE

HABITS OF M

IND

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Neuroplasticity is when our brain changes because of

new information it receives.

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The brain stores facts, figures, smells, tastes,

sights and more.

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The left side of your brain is usually better

at problem solving

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Your brain has around 1 billion

nerve cells

1

The brain is approximately 85%

water

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The adult brain weighs about 1.5kg

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The right side of your brain is creative and

helps with art & music

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Your brain keeps growing until you are

20 years old

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BRAIN FACTS

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Rest the “Monkey Mind”.

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Exercise your brain(Brain Gym)

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Drink plenty of water

3

Get enough sleep

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Keep learning!!

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Tune in to your attitude about

learning

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Try to learn the same information multiple

ways

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Know how and when you learn best

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MAXIM

ISING YO

UR BRAIN

POW

ER

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