I have experience in Kindergarten, primary grades, middle school, and a bit of high school. To hear the words 'brain plasticity' is one thing, but how does that inform my classroom practice and my attitude towards learning in children? I felt the most important line from that chapter we read so far was- "But information does not consist of all connections being made—it is the selectivity of connections that codes meaningful information." This line stayed with me, and I was thinking of how necessary experience can be for a child growing up. The brain is making connections, pruning, shedding and reworking these synapses. New synapses are formed based on the experiences. The classroom can be such a fertile ground for both the teacher and this child in front. This is a fertile ground, since these synapses may have implications for very young children.
We read many theorists, such as Jean Piaget, Rousseau, and Freud, and asked ourselves, whose theory seems closer to our own assumptions about children and learning?
This kind of reading instils a more profound sense of responsibility in us as teachers. Almost all the visible and invisible factors are most likely contributing to the brain development in the child, both at school and at home. From our small group reading circle, Shalu, our contributor teacher, posted this post-reading session-
A child's response is influenced not only by his abilities but also by how the teacher frames the question or task.
I mean....
* The way a teacher presents a question or activity matters as much as the child's actual ability.
* If the teacher adds an energiser (like a fun activity, quick game, or surprising element), it sparks curiosity.
* That curiosity makes students wonder "What's coming next?"
* As a result, they become more active and engaged, because the task feels enjoyable and motivating.
We all would agree with her. It reminds us that nurturing reading, reflection, and relationships in the classroom, as embodied in the motto at Learning Forward India, is achievable if we are all determined.
- Neelashi Mangal
Brewing Knowledge Friday Host
