Research:Movement and Choice Support Learning

This is from a literacy blog written by Brenda Power that I'm following.  It seemed to fit in nicely with the things we are learning from our CAFE reading. 

Moving to Learn

This week I've been reading some fascinating research that challenges much of what I thought I knew about studying and learning.  Robert Bjork of the University of California at Los Angeles and other researchers have been documenting how the "always study in the same place" rule really doesn't work as well as studying in different locations.  The findings are complex, but it appears the brain "tags" the learning with the sites, sounds, and stimuli of the location.  More locations with different stimuli make it easier for the brain to tag and store new learning.

Once you think about the research in the context of how you learn, it makes perfect sense.  How often have you solved a seemingly intractable problem when you g0t out of your classroom or living room, and thought about it in a different place? Think about a recent "aha" moment you had when considering a long-term problem, and my hunch is it came when you were on a beach, wheeling a shopping cart, or driving home. . .not in a place you associate with doing your best thinking.

The other finding to ponder is the importance of varying the material studied in one setting - far more was learned by research participants when they didn't focus on one subject or concept for too long, but instead moved between multiple concepts. This finding not only challenges skill and drill instruction - it pushes literacy teachers to vary reading and writing tasks even more, with choice a crucial piece of the mix.

But as I thought more about these studies, I realized how daunting they might be for new teachers early in the year trying to put management systems in place.  How to be consistent and clear, yet still allow for the movement and flexibility students require to maximize their learning?   How to provide choice and flexibility throughout the day, yet still remain focused on specific goals?


Brenda Power
Editor, Choice Literacy
http://www.choiceliteracy.com/public/1285.cfm

New York Times:Mind: Forget What You Know About Good Study Habits  By Benedict Carey; Published: September 6, 2010

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/07/health/views/07mind.html?_r=1

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