Brain-based learning - comparative contemplation

At this point, I have read 6 books about brain-based learning; two each by Jensen, Leslie Hart, and Caine & Caine.
In Hart, I was introduced to MacLean's concept of the three brains (triune). The reptillian brain that controls bodily functions, the mid-brain (limbic cortex) that controls feelings and emotions, and the cerebral cortex that controls behavior. Hart speaks to the fact that humans are able to process lots of information simultaneously. So, everything that is going on in the environment, we take in. Some inputs our brains can ignore - if it is extraneous or too over-whelming. His Proster Theory demonstrates that we learn sequences of information and that faced with a situation, our brains select the most appropriate sequence to respond to the situation.

C&C build on Hart's theory about how we learn. C&C offer some interesting information that, once you read it, makes sense.
1. people learn best when they don't have to "downshift" to re lower brain to take care of oneself. So, this means that learning can only take place in a supportive environment that engages the learner.
2. people are able to take in lots of information simultaneously and that information should be presented with the whole and the details at the same time - so, we need to not spoon-feed information to the learners
3. an integrative and realistic approach to the learning will help people learn more and retain the information because they can use it to build maps (not routes/rote). In context information is better because you can see how the pieces relate to each other.

What changes can I make to my own teaching? I have to help the learners feel more engaged by introducing the parts and the whole at the same time....use realistic scenarios in the exercises...use s holistic/interdisciplinary approach.

Organization is the key

So, I listened to the advice of wiser ones than I and started my annotated bibliography. But, now the real issue is becoming how to keep all of the bits of paper and books organized in some fashion. I think that I will spend some quality time cleaning out my desk drawers and tossing inconsequential stuff.

Not much more done in the way of reading. Have started to read the Jensen book "Teaching with the Brain in Mind" It's more targeted at K-12. But, may have some interesting tidbits.

Reading starts

So, I am feeling like I am drinking from a firehose! This week, I started my annotated bibliography for the following authors that I read up to this point:
Tennant
Minnich (ugh!)
Merriam et al (read 1st edition now need to complete 3rd edition)
Brookfield (article on Adult Learning as well as the book on Critial Learning)

I have been trying to update my personal case study with information from these books.

I had a very challenging week trying to work with my group partner. We had a tremendous mis-communication because of our different styles. I was very worried that we would have to write one paper together for the final project. But, it was with great relief that I reviewed the requiremnents and found that we each submit our own work! Whew!

I also started reading a compilation of articles on the Brain and Learning from Jossey-Bass. The readings in this book so far lead me to believe that there are many differing opinions about the different areas of the brain and what their functions are. What is also glaringly obvious is that there is not alot that is known for sure about how learning occurs in the brain. There is a lot of room for additional research.

Because of the Brookfield reading, I have started to think about looking into Habermas and the Frankfort Institute. Although, I think that this may be more of a challenge than I can handle at this point.

I still need to get my ISP written. Not sure why this is such a challenge!