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Brain-compatible Instructional Strategies

(Principles of Teaching 1)

Research Findings about the Brain

1. Without rehearsal or constant attention, information remains in working memory for only about 15 to 20 seconds. This implies the need for memory aid.

2. Learning is a process of building neural networks. The network is formed through concrete experience, representational or symbolic learning, and abstract learning.


3. Our brains have difficulty comprehending very large numbers because we have nothing in our experience to “hook” them to.

4. The eyes contain nearly 70 percent of the body’s sensory receptors and send millions of signals every second along the optic nerves to the visual processing of the brain. The capacity of the long-term memory for pictures seems almost unlimited.


5. There is little doubt that when information is embedded in music or in rhyme, its recall is easier than when it is in prose.

Brain-based Strategies

1. Involving Students in Real-life or Authentic Problem Solving

2. Using Projects to Increase Meaning and Motivation

3. Simulations and Roleplays as Meaning Makers

4. Songs, jingles, and raps

5. Mnemonic strategies


6. Writing strategies

• Word problems

• Incomplete statements

• Dialogues

• Speeches

• letters


7. Peer Teaching

• students teach each other

• Pair, Think, Share strategy

8. Active Review

• Instead of the teacher conducting the review, students are given their turn


9. Hands-on Activities • Concrete experience is one of the best ways to

make long-lasting neural connections• “What we have to learn to do, we learn by

doing.” (Aristotle)

10. Classroom Strategies Using Visual Processing• Visuals are powerful aids in retention as well as

understanding. To help students organize their thinking, teachers use graphics

Examples of Graphics

Venn Diagram

Examples of Graphics

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