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Category: BRAIN SCIENCE
For over 30 years, Trainers Warehouse has sold tools and resources to promote active, brain-based learning. Trainers frequently ask us how they can get buy-in from managers. Facilitators of learning view games and fidgets as important tools of their trade, but managers sometimes see them only as “toys.” As such, we’re on the lookout for brain science research that supports the learning theory and applies the neuroscience of learning.
The Value and ROI in Employee Recognition
I came across this joint report by the Human Capital Institute, FORUM for People Performance Management and Measurement, and IRF Incentive Research Foundation, which examines the correlation between employee recognition and improved job performance. Among the facts highlighted, this one stood out to... Read More
Stress and Learning
I always get excited when I find hard research that substantiates the use of stress-free learning. This time I hit a jackpot when I found JW Wilson’s, Cracking the Learning Code. JW Wilson is the Executive Director of The Advanced Learning Institute, an organization which researches, devel... Read More
8 Breakthroughs in the Science of Learning (back in 2012!)
Hazel Taylor, an assistant professor at the University of Washington, wrote and published this article back in 2012. It’s a great collection of articles and reports about how the brain learns. The headlines include: More information doesn’t mean more learning The brain is a highly dynamic ... Read More
The Bygone Lecture
I’m surprised when I talk to college students and professors these days and hear that lectures are still a common method of instruction. This week, however, I came across two sources that challenge the old tradition. The first was a study of Astro 101 (that is, Introductory Astrology) ... Read More
Doodling Works – with Sunni Brown
I was so happy to come across this great TED talk where Sunni Brown talks about the misconceptions and benefits of doodling. It’s under 6 minutes and worth the watch! Read More Research Shows Doodling is approved!... Read More
Multi-tasking vs. Juggling at Work
This Fast Company article makes a great point about how multi-tasking does not necessarily make us more productive. Likely, it’s just the opposite. Doing two things at once, like singing while you take a shower, is not the same as instant messaging while writing a research report. Don’... Read More
Fun DOES work!
I know this Staircase Piano video has become quite popular on You Tube. The reason I find it intriguing for trainers is because it emphasizes the importance of engaging people by using playful techniques. The takeaway: be bold and confident in your commitment to fun, even if you’re facing pe... Read More
The Myth of Learning Style
Neil Fleming’s “VARK” model, in which he splits learners into categories based on learning style of Visual, Aural, Reading/Writing, and Kinesthetic, has caused quite a controversy. Critics say it’s impossible to classify learners this way and you shouldn’t change your t... Read More
Active Learning – data says it works
I’ve been making a special effort to support the claims of the headers in our Trainers Warehouse catalogs–claims such as “active learning enhances understanding.” In fact, I spent hours yesterday, culling through research and articles to locate original sources and sound data... Read More
Recognition increases performance 24%
As I’ve been working on copy for an upcoming catalog, I wanted to find out just how much recognition and reward affect workers’ performance. Although the citations do not focus specifically on training and learning environments, a wealth of research strongly supports the effectiveness ... Read More
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The Neuroscience of Learning
Through brain science research, we've learned more about the parts of the brain and how they work together to help us understand and retain new information. We understand, for instance, that:- Greater engagement leads to deeper learning. And, the more areas of the brain that are in use, the more memorable the learning episode.
- Focus decreases during longer learning segments.
- Visual images, mnemonics, and metaphors help our brains organize information.
- Endorphins create feelings of euphoria and activate our frontal lobes, the part of the brain responsible for learning.
- Cortisol, the stress hormone, inhibits memory and attention.