Module 2: Activating the Brain to Optimize Learning

Objectives

• Explore how the brain works to better understand learning.
• Dive into the three main principles of UDL.
• Learn about the importance of social emotional learning in the learning process.

Video & Transcript

• Video Introduction       
• Transcript

Introduction

The brain is an amazing part of our bodies.  It is adaptable, resourceful and capable. And it can change and grow just like any other part of our bodies.  The brain has three main networks:

• The affective network
• The recognition network
• The strategic network

These three networks are responsible for learning and they all work together.

The affective network is responsible for the “why” of learning and it needs to be “turned on” in order to learn. That means that students must understand the purpose of why they are learning to be motivated to put in effort and to be able to cope with lots of different emotions that arise when learning becomes difficult. No learning will occur without “turning on” the affective network and helping students self-regulate their emotions and persist when they are feeling bored or challenged.

Once students are primed for learning, we want their brains to start building understanding. The recognition network of the brain is always trying to make sense of everything around us and is responsible for the “what” of learning. When students are trying to make meaning by reading or listening to text, exploring visuals or listening to a podcast, their recognition network is hard at work.

 Finally, students have to do something with this new information and that is where the strategic network comes into play. The strategic network, responsible for the “how” of learning, helps students use information and transform it into knowledge and skills they can do something with and remember in the future. This is where a student’s executive functions, or the brains governing processes, come into play.

Universal Design for Learning have three main principles that are intended to activate each of the three networks for the brain.

Principle 1: Provide Multiple Means of Engagement to activate the affective network

• When we offer multiple pathways for students to understand why learning is important, ensure they feel safe and respected in their learning environment, and provide them with the tools and coping skills they need to persist, we can positively build deeper engagement with learning.

Principle 2: Provide Multiple Means of Representation to activate the recognition network

• We can help students comprehend information by relating it to other life experiences, and provide them with supports to perceive information and understand language and symbols, so they have the ability to acquire knowledge and skills in meaningful ways.

Principle 3: Provide Multiple Means of Action and Expression to activate the strategic network

• We must support students with goal setting, monitoring their own progress and learning, and expressing what they know or can do in meaningful ways to ensure the learning sticks.

Discussion Prompts

• Where does my student struggle the most, with the “why” of learning, the “what” or learning, or the “how” of learning?
• How can I use some of the best practices of UDL at home to support my student with learning?

Resources

Please read, watch or listen to at least two of the resources below to better understand how the brain works and how UDL can better support your student.

Self-Assessment