Full Description
Practical "brain-aware" facilitation tailored to the adult brain Facilitating Learning with the Adult Brain in Mind explains how the brain works, and how to help adults learn, develop, and perform more effectively in various settings. Recent neurobiological discoveries have challenged long-held assumptions that logical, rational thought is the preeminent approach to knowing. Rather, feelings and emotions are essential for meaningful learning to occur in the embodied brain. Using stories, metaphors, and engaging illustrations to illuminate technical ideas, Taylor and Marienau synthesize relevant trends in neuroscience, cognitive science, and philosophy of mind. Readers unfamiliar with current brain discoveries will enjoy an informative, easy-to-read book. Neuroscience fans will find additional material designed to supplement their knowledge.
Many popular publications on brain and learning focus on school-aged learners or tend more toward anatomical description than practical application. This book provides facilitators of adult learning and development a much-needed resource of tested approaches plus the science behind their effectiveness.
Appreciate the fundamental role of experience in adult learning
Understand how metaphor and analogy spark curiosity and creativity
Alleviate adult anxieties that impede learning
Acquire tools and approaches that foster adult learning and development
Compared with other books on brain and learning, this volume includes dozens of specific examples of how experienced practitioners facilitate meaningful learning. These "brain-aware" approaches can be adopted and adapted for use in diverse settings. Facilitating Learning with the Adult Brain in Mind should be read by advisors/counselors, instructors, curriculum and instructional developers, professional development designers, corporate trainers and coaches, faculty mentors, and graduate students—in fact, anyone interested in how adult brains learn.
Contents
Preface ix
PART I: Brain: Then and Now 1
Chapter 1: Brain Basics-changes in the brain over eons 3
Chapter 2: The Learning, Changing Adult Brain-experience, memory, and emotions 33
Chapter 3: Metaphors, Embodiment, and Hemispheres-foundations of brain-aware approaches 59
PART II: PracticesThat Enhance Adult Learning-featuring the Theatre of Knowing 81
Chapter 4: Setting the Stage for Learning-lowering anxiety, engaging curiosity 91
Chapter 5: Enter Stage Left-starting with verbal-theoretical conceptual approaches in mind 115
Chapter 6: Enter Stage Right-starting with embodied and metaphorical approaches in mind 135
Chapter 7: Center Stage-interweaving multifaceted approaches 175
Chapter 8: Spotlight on Meaning Making-scaffolding reflection and feedback 215
PART III: Reflecting on Practice 245
Chapter 9: Enhancing Brain-Aware Practice with Theory-foundational theories of learning and development 247
Chapter 10: Toward Complexity and Commitment-learning that promotes courageous informed action 287
Epilogue 311
References 315
Acknowledgments 331
About the Authors and Contributors 333
Name Index 345
Subject Index 349
