The Importance of Application
The latest research on brain-based learning shows that students learn best when the learning is contextual. Three techniques that aid in doing this are orchestrated immersion, relaxed alertness, and active processing. Orchestrated immersion is when learning environments are used "that fully immerse students in the educational experience" (Learning, 2008). Orchestrated immersion may include field trips or job shadowing (Wilson, 2007). Relaxed alertness is when an educator tries to "eliminate fear in learners, while maintaining a highly challenging environment" (Learning, 2008).Relaxed alertness occurs when an educator makes efforts to create an environment where
students feel accepted and unthreatened; therefore, they are able to maximize their learning (Wilson, 2007). Actively processing is when an educator allows "the learner is able to consolidate and internalize information by actively processing it" (Learning, 2008). For active processing to be successful, the students need to understand information in the context of what they have already learned.