Category: BRAIN SCIENCE

Maslow’s Hierarchy and Learners’ Basic Needs

In his 1943 paper, A Theory of Human Motivation, psychologist Abraham Maslow , [2] proposed the idea that a person’s most basic needs must be satisfied before higher order needs can be addressed. The needs he identified are: Physiological – includes air, food, water, sex, sleep, other factors to... Read More

Research shows: Clickers improve attentiveness

In a study done at four University of Wisconsin campuses (University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh, and University of Wisconsin–Whitewater), faculty members and students in courses using clickers were given a survey that assessed ... Read More

Wait! Slow down.

Don’t be too quick to call on the first hand that goes up. By doing so, you signal to other students that they should stop thinking of an answer. Experts suggest that you extend your wait time to 5 to 10 seconds! This assertion is supported in several research reports, including: Journal of Re... Read More

Doodling approved by Doodle Research

First the Doodle Research Data! Doodling while listening can help with remembering details, rather than implying that the mind is wandering as is the common perception. According to doodle research in a study published in 2009 in the journal Applied Cognitive Psychology, subjects given a doodling ta... Read More

Memory Games

Memory is an important part of learning. If they can’t remember what you’ve taught, what good will it do? Here are a few memory games and other tricks: Games If you have a list of things you want your group to remember, play the memory game. Whoever receives the tossed ball must name a... Read More

"Kooshball-ism"?

I must admit I was a bit taken aback when I read one trainer’s assertion that: “‘Kooshball-ism,’ as I like to refer to all the gizmos and tactics, which are espoused in the oh-so-many books and Trainers Warehouse catalogs, is so 1980’s-1990’s. Our profession has e... Read More

Training should be fun – data explains why

Some time ago, I accumulated evidence on why active learning is more effective. Here are some of the highlights: Games & Simulations “One must learn by doing the thing, for though you think you know it– you have no certainty until you try.” Sophocles, 5th c. B.C. Approximately 65% of... Read More

“Seriously, my groups are too serious for this stuff”

While many trainers and teachers fully embrace the concepts of fun and interactive training to accelerate the learning process, some pass by our trade show booth or our catalog and lament, “I wish I could use your ‘toys,’ but I teach ___x___. They’re too serious for that.”... Read More