LATEST BRAIN RESEARCH: What All LEADERS and TRAINERS Should Know
As leaders and adult educators, it is essential to understand the critical role the brain plays in the outcomes from our efforts as well as those of our people. Understanding the brain has helped me create accelerated learning programs that deliver results far in excess of those using more traditional methods of communication and leadership. This blog contains a compilation of research from a number of sources cited at the end of this posting.
Understanding the brain improves my ability to communicate with greater intention and clarity. My primary goal and commitment to the organizations and people I serve is to constantly improve and maximize individual productivity and team performance. My approach to leadership and adult learning shifted as a result of many recent findings surrounding research on the human brain. As a Director of Training and Product Development, I became more inspired by these concepts while developing accelerated learning curriculum for John Assaraf, avid brain researcher and one of the teachers from the movie, The Secret.
Let’s begin with a foundation to simplify an understanding of the mechanics of how we learn as adults. Let’s lift up the hood! Refer to the following diagram for a visual understanding as we review what may be several new terms. This made it easy for me to understand! This is the most challenging part of the blog posting. I promise! There is not a test either.
Learning takes place when neurons communicate with each other. When these neurons receive sensory input, they form extensions called dendrites. Now, the axon is a long thin fiber which starts from one neuron and stretches towards another neuron. Together, both dendrites and neurons make up networks. And, the communication between neurons is facilitated by myelin. This is the point of conjunction is called a synapse. The liquids which make neurons communicate are the neurotransmitters.
Are you thoroughly confused? Don’t worry. You probably retained more than you realize as you review the fascinating information that follows.
Many myths about the brain have been dispelled over the past 10 years. Some information provided by University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point give us some helpful insights into the brain and learning. A core principle of brain based learning states that learning should engage the total body. All learning is essentially mind-body which includes movement, attention cycles, and chemicals that regulate learning.
Brain-based learning can appear simple, just not always easy. What I mean here is complex learning is enhanced by challenge and inhibited by stress. Using challenging, complex experiences with appropriate and immediate feedback are ideal.
What about stresses of age? Another tenant of brain–based learning speaks to brain enrichment. Specifically, the brain can grow new connections at any age. In fact, cognitive skills develop more efficiently with music and motor skills.
John Medina, author of Brain Rules, explains that we are designed to never stop learning and exploring. Every brain is wired differently; yet, vision is the brain’s primary cognitive reliant sense. Literally, seeing is believing. Our memories are volatile and stress definitely impacts and changes the way we learn. So rest and sleep are powerfully linked with our ability to learn. Medina and many others recommend regular brain exercise to improve cognition.
So, does our brain get better with age? Actually, the answer is YES! It can get better with age if we keep our brain in good shape. Research Barbara Strauch published in the New York Times, cites as we reach middle age, we become better at getting to the bottom line and seeing the big picture. The brain’s health is contingent upon my ability to build neural connections. These allow me to decipher patterns and reach sound solutions faster than younger adults. There has to be a balance in developing new patterns while maintaining existing ones.
Kathleen Taylor, of St. Mary’s College in California, studies how to adults learn. She comments, “The brain is plastic and continues to change, not in getting bigger but allowing for greater complexity and deeper understanding…As adults we may not always learn quite as fast, but we are set up for this next developmental step.”
How do we do this? As adults, this means consciously taking on new challenges and explore new possibilities. Stepping beyond fear of what is safe from what we already “know” and even believe to shake things up a bit by confront new ways of thinking that differ from what we are used to—new ideas, new concepts. As adults we have “learned” so much, that we need to “unlearn” so much of what is stopping us from making break-throughs. Strut out of the rut. This helps to get the neurons flowing and creates new neural connections.
So, sound adult learning and leadership strategies are shifting from traditional information dump and simply focusing on new facts to an emphasis that embraces multiple points of view. As an adult I need to literally confront my own thinking and be exposed to other perspectives that challenge my own. As an adult educator and leader, I need to continually encourage my people to wrestle with their inner beliefs and dialogue. In turn, the learning comes when they can share the deeper root meaning of how this experience shifted their existing beliefs in some way within themselves and become present to the impacts they have out in the world. This is what I call adult awareness, a result of brain-based learning.
This also relates to Emotional Intelligence (EQ) which Travis Bradbury writes of in his book. Someone’s Emotion Quotient (EQ) score is a much more valid predictor of performance than personality profiles. This brain-based learning approach will move the needle on EQ scores as people develop greater awareness.
There are many ways to keep your brain in shape. One is through actual physical exercise. There are many programs out there today that are convenient and help us exercise our brain. I am using Luminosity and found it to be helpful. I actually feel refreshed after I use it. The activities make me forget other things for a while as I focus on the program. Excellent!
I want to hear from you. I invite you to share your thoughts with me on this program and blog. This blog was the result of multiple sources of research. There is a lot out there. People are doing incredible things and I hope this compilation helped provide a level of support and at least will begin some dialogue.
RESOURCES:
John Medina, http://brainrules.net/
How to Train the Aging Brain, BARBARA STRAUCH, http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/03/education/edlife/03adult-t.html
What’s Learning Like, Witch Hazel’s Magic Resource Website, http://ow.ly/1aBPr
Wikipedia
Travis Bradbury, Emotional Intelligence, Brain, memory, intelligence, IQ, education, schools, adult learners, learning styles, learning, adult, transformation, brain power, aging, middle age, mind, human, human brain, brain rules, john medina, Jack Mezirow, Kathleen Taylor, brain based learning, enrichment, cognitive skills, aging Attention and ADD/ADHD Biology brain Brain-anatomy-and-imaging Brain-based-Learning, Brain exercises, Brain Fitness, brain fitness software, Brain-games, Brain health, Brain Plasticity, Brain Training, Brain Teasers, cognitive cognitive health, Cognitive Training, Cognitive Neuroscience, Corporate Training Decision making, Education & Lifelong Learning, Emotions, Executive Functions, Health & Wellness, Learning Lifelong learning, meditation, memory, Memory Training, mental exercise, Mental flexibility, Mental Health, Mind Fitness, Mind Games, Mind/Body, Neurogenesis, Neurons, neuroplasticity, Neuropsychology, neuroscience, Physical Exercise, Posit Science, Serious Games, Stress, Working memory, luminosity, leadership, leadership development, John Assaraf, The Secret
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