The big picturecan't be separated from the details. Because ever}' brain is different,educators should allow learners to customize their own environments.(Learning, 2008, p. 2) "The brain can grow new connections at any age. Challenging, complex experiences with appropriate feedback are best" (Wilson, 2007, p. 6). Another example of combining approaches to aid in learning is the modern approach to combining phonics with whole language education. These once separate instructions have now been proven to work effectively in conjunction with each other. "In the largest, most comprehensive evidenced-based review ever conducted of research on how children learn reading, a Congressionally mandated independent panel has
concluded that the most effective way to teach children to read is through instruction that includes a combination of methods" (National, 2000, p. 1).