The adult learning principles championed by Malcolm Knowles and Carl Rogers help us understand that learning takes place with the learner. We know, too, from cognitive theory, how information is structured, processed, stored, and retrieved by learners.
The May Infoline, “Memory and Cognition in Learning,” looks at the current body of knowledge to explain how the brain responds to factors such as stress and emotion, and the roles of the learner and trainer in the learning experience. It also offers guidance on creating effective learning experiences.
“Stress and anxiety are two emotions that inhibit learning by sending the amygdala into overdrive,” explains author Jonathan Halls. In this over-excited state, information is inhibited from passing through the amygdala to the information-processing center of the brain.
So to set the stage for the most effective learning, a trainer should create an environment that is low stress, enjoyable, and stimulating. Halls continues, “Exciting and enjoyable learning will cause a dopamine release that stimulates memory building.”
Repetition and positive emotions also enhance memory. Trainers can help stimulate learning by building rehearsal and repetition into their events. “The value of rehearsal is in having learners draw on the mental models they have created so far and then integrate knowledge from the real world dynamics of changing circumstances,” writes Halls.
As we are hearing and reading more frequently, the body needs the right types of food, movement and exercise, and enough sleep to learn. Rather than providing sweets and heavy foods at training events, the learning professional can offer fruits and other fresh food, which are good for blood sugar and allow people to eat while they’re hungry without dragging them down.
Trainers can build movement into their module by encouraging doodling, or providing toys or other small objects for learners to play with. Trainers can also change up their events so that learners get up and move to a different location for part of the class.
Halls sums up, “From the classic thinkers who influenced our field in the last century to the latest changing and enlightening discoveries of science, all play an important part in the way we promote learning.” But we are all life-long learners, so the insights into how we learn continue to evolve.
Learn more about “Memory and Cognition in Learning” online.
