The Triune Brain and its implications in the classroom
Dr. Paul Mac Lean developed the theory of the Triune
brain. It states that our brain evolved in three different stages: the reptilian
brain, the mammalian brain and finally the neo cortex or human brain. As a
result, humans don’t have one brain but three. Newer and more elaborate
structures were added to the old and integrated into a functional whole. Each
of these brains are located differently in the mind and have different
evolutionary functions.
Let’s have a look at each of them and the implications
they have in the classroom.
The Reptilian Brain
It is the lowest
and most primitive part of the brain and we share it with all other animals
which have a backbone. It evolved during the Triassic period. It is connected
to the spinal cord and its main function is to guarantee survival. It releases
chemicals to face the “fight or flight” response. It also controls other
functions to sustain life such as heart rate, breathing, digestion and
sleeping.
In the
class:
A secure
environment in the classroom will keep it at ease and it will promote an
effective learning. A stress free class will help students to think reflexively
rather than reflectively.
Tip: Playing
classical or chill out music in the background will help students feel relaxed
and ready for learning.
Mammalian Brain
It evolved
after the reptilian brain during the Jurassic period and it is located in the limbic
system. The mammalian or emotional brain contains these important organs:
- · Hypothalamus : for the automatic control of body functions such as digestion, body temperature and blood pressure.
- · Hippocampus: for storing experience-based memories.
- · Amygdala: For recognizing danger and for responding to this according to past experience
In the
class:
Under
stress, the emotional brain hinders learning and downshifts to the reptilian brain to ensure survival.
When the mammalian brain is in a positive and relaxed state it releases
endorphins which in turn triggers a powerful neurotransmitter called
acetylcholine which favors learning.
Tip: Create a positive environment in the classroom, put
up posters with uplifting phrases, smile and show a great enthusiasm for
learning. Happiness is really contagious so if the teacher is happy students
will be happy too!
Neocortex
The
neocortex with its great amount of grey matter was added to the mammalian
brain. It evolved with the first primates. It is also called the human brain
and its main functions are: planning, creating, setting goals, speaking, regulating
decision making and learning among others. Higher order thinking takes place
here.
In
class:
First of
all, the brain will function properly only if it is appropriately fed and has
reasonable hours of sleep. If those conditions are met then we can proceed to
teaching.
- ü Connect the new topic with previous knowledge, making connections helps the brain to look for and store information.
- ü What is taught should be relevant and significant in students’ lives. The rain learns best when it learns in a real world context. Using activities similar to real life will enhance learning (projects, stories, field trips)
- ü Help children to construct information instead of providing them with answers.
- ü Dividing content into smaller chunks helps understanding. The brain can retain up to seven bites of information. This can vary from human to human to 5-9 bites.
- ü DOWN TIME – Provide students with time to reflect and create.
Tip: METACOGNITION
– Allow students opportunities to examine their own metacognitive skills. Give them
time to think and explore their own thinking and learning patterns.
