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Topic Eleven: How can I engage in active learning?
Learning Objectives:
At the end of this reading you will be able to:
1. Describe the process of active learning
2. Explain how learning is enhanced by physical activity
3. Give an example of how physical activity can enhance learning
Learning Objectives:
At the end of this reading you will be able to:
1. Describe the process of active learning
2. Explain how learning is enhanced by physical activity
3. Give an example of how physical activity can enhance learning
![Picture](/uploads/3/8/6/0/38604647/1966797.png?327)
Conceptual Framework: Integrating movement in the learning experience
The first nerve cells evolved 500,000,000 years ago to facilitate movement of organisms to coordinate more efficient self-feeding. The human brain evolved to work more efficiently when the body is physically active. Physical activity stimulates the learning process. A molecule referred to as a brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), stimulates nerve cells (neurons) in the brain to grow and proliferate. There is a direct relationship between body movement and learning. Learning is nurtured by physical exercise. Physical exercise stimulates the plasticity of neurons for taking in information. Physical activity makes learning of information more accessible. For example, aerobic exercise can optimize both performance and the thinking process that facilitates performance.
There are three brain functions that stimulate cognitive capacity. First, physical activity stimulates the production of BDNF. Secondly, BDNF stimulates neurogenesis. This protein stimulates the growth of nerve cells. Thirdly, BDNF facilitates the stimulation of neurons and connections between neurons that facilitates the potential for learning and memory of that learning. Exercise, in isolation, does not spark learning. Rather, exercise helps the brain to be more receptive to learning potential. Even the simple act of walking can enhance cognitive functioning. However, aerobic exercise facilitates the learning of new information more efficiently.
The basis for learning and remembering that learning is contingent on the plasticity of the synaptic junctions between neurons facilitated by BDNF. How does this happen? Exercise enhances the production of the neurotransmitters: serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters impact our ability to sustain focused attention, stay alert to what we are experiencing, and our motivation to learn. These abilities nurture the abilities to be patient with the learning process, exercise self-discipline and self-control, as well as have a positive attitude toward life-long learning. In the entire brain, the neurons in the hippocampus have the greatest impact on learning and memory. BDNF appears to be most active in the hippocampus. What becomes most fascinating is that the hippocampus is, also, the part of the brain that is most responsive to emotions. That is the reason why emotional arousal tied with physical activity is such a powerful combination for nurturing the learning process.
Doyle, T. (2011). Learner-centered teaching. Sterling, VA: Stylus Publishing.
The first nerve cells evolved 500,000,000 years ago to facilitate movement of organisms to coordinate more efficient self-feeding. The human brain evolved to work more efficiently when the body is physically active. Physical activity stimulates the learning process. A molecule referred to as a brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), stimulates nerve cells (neurons) in the brain to grow and proliferate. There is a direct relationship between body movement and learning. Learning is nurtured by physical exercise. Physical exercise stimulates the plasticity of neurons for taking in information. Physical activity makes learning of information more accessible. For example, aerobic exercise can optimize both performance and the thinking process that facilitates performance.
There are three brain functions that stimulate cognitive capacity. First, physical activity stimulates the production of BDNF. Secondly, BDNF stimulates neurogenesis. This protein stimulates the growth of nerve cells. Thirdly, BDNF facilitates the stimulation of neurons and connections between neurons that facilitates the potential for learning and memory of that learning. Exercise, in isolation, does not spark learning. Rather, exercise helps the brain to be more receptive to learning potential. Even the simple act of walking can enhance cognitive functioning. However, aerobic exercise facilitates the learning of new information more efficiently.
The basis for learning and remembering that learning is contingent on the plasticity of the synaptic junctions between neurons facilitated by BDNF. How does this happen? Exercise enhances the production of the neurotransmitters: serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters impact our ability to sustain focused attention, stay alert to what we are experiencing, and our motivation to learn. These abilities nurture the abilities to be patient with the learning process, exercise self-discipline and self-control, as well as have a positive attitude toward life-long learning. In the entire brain, the neurons in the hippocampus have the greatest impact on learning and memory. BDNF appears to be most active in the hippocampus. What becomes most fascinating is that the hippocampus is, also, the part of the brain that is most responsive to emotions. That is the reason why emotional arousal tied with physical activity is such a powerful combination for nurturing the learning process.
Doyle, T. (2011). Learner-centered teaching. Sterling, VA: Stylus Publishing.
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Example
Physical exercise enhances the learning process. An example of this is my multi-sensory engagement with may studies during medical school. Not only did I read my medical books pacing back and forth across the room while recording my voice on a recorder while recording my voice to play back on the recorder all night while I was sleeping. I would also transcribe each chapter and create concept maps for each chapter that I would review while I was eating at each meal. This would activate my taste buds and sense of smell to reinforce my remembering concepts through the pleasure of eating food and smelling the aromas of the meal.
Physical exercise enhances the learning process. An example of this is my multi-sensory engagement with may studies during medical school. Not only did I read my medical books pacing back and forth across the room while recording my voice on a recorder while recording my voice to play back on the recorder all night while I was sleeping. I would also transcribe each chapter and create concept maps for each chapter that I would review while I was eating at each meal. This would activate my taste buds and sense of smell to reinforce my remembering concepts through the pleasure of eating food and smelling the aromas of the meal.
![Picture](/uploads/3/8/6/0/38604647/4942154.png?333)
Positive support for learning
When learning a concept seems too difficult, we need to get physical. The brain wants to make sense of the material. So, committing to 20-30 minutes of aerobic exercise, at least three times a day will prime the brain for greater retention of material studied after the exercise period. Exercise awakens the brains intrinsic motivation to make sense out of information that seems confusing prior to the aerobic exercise and stimulates energy to confront the learning process with a more positive focus.
When learning a concept seems too difficult, we need to get physical. The brain wants to make sense of the material. So, committing to 20-30 minutes of aerobic exercise, at least three times a day will prime the brain for greater retention of material studied after the exercise period. Exercise awakens the brains intrinsic motivation to make sense out of information that seems confusing prior to the aerobic exercise and stimulates energy to confront the learning process with a more positive focus.
Self-Assessment and reflection
1. Have you ever tried to memorize something that was just not sticking? Did you give up or push yourself to complete the memorization process?
2. Are you willing to commit to starting and continuing a commitment to exercise on a regular basis? Set a date and start a calendar to record your progress.
3. Develop a written plan to help you stay committed to your exercise regime. Write a series of positive affirmations that you can use to support your commitment.
1. Have you ever tried to memorize something that was just not sticking? Did you give up or push yourself to complete the memorization process?
2. Are you willing to commit to starting and continuing a commitment to exercise on a regular basis? Set a date and start a calendar to record your progress.
3. Develop a written plan to help you stay committed to your exercise regime. Write a series of positive affirmations that you can use to support your commitment.