Episode 80 – Brain Myths and Learning Styles
Two of the most commonly heard myths are the pseudo-scientific claims that people have a dominant left or right brain, and that learning styles help educators design better course materials. With implications that span the gamut of education to HR practices, neuroscience is routinely ignored in favour of the tantalizing promise of conveniently classifying and simplifying the human experience. Find out what the real scoop is on this week’s show, along with some side segments that will have you confidently and playfully skipping and skateboarding down the street!
Podcast available via direct RSS feed –> HERE, or via iTunes –> HERE.
Show Notes:
Since this week was all about left & right brain theory which has been well debunked, you won’t find any of those links here. But of course you’re still free to Google it if you like.
FastCompany wrote a pretty good article that addressed the issue.
Neurologica, a science Blog, also presents some similar information.
And even more info from Kurzweil and even Time Magazine.
A bit of bonus info that I really didn’t get much time to talk about on the show, is the topic of gender in math and science. The American Association for the Advancement of Science recently printed an excellent article that helps illustrate the scope of the problem.
On the subject of learning styles… Here is some food for thought from Newcastle University.
And in the words of Howard Gardner himself, author of multiple intelligence theory, teaching to different learning styles is little more than just nonsense. A Washington Post article from October 16, 2013.
Finally, if you’re looking to expand your emotional vocabulary, try this adjective wheel, courtesy of a high school English teacher.
Credits:
Music beds courtesy of Music Alley from Mevio and the Free Music Archive. Thanks to artists: ZeroV, Duane Carter Band, Gepel.