Brain compatible training

Our understanding of how the human brain learns has fascinated and baffled neuroscientists for decades. Over the past 10 years, thanks to new brain imaging technology, we have made exponential leaps in understanding how the brain works.

The simplest way to describe the way our brain works is by using the parallel of the great network called the worldwide web. Our brain has a complex network of multiple potential connections called neurons, which, when given the right electro-chemical stimulus, create specific pathways.

Every pathway represents a specific type of connection called a synapse that our brain makes to create a unit of learning. Every neuron has hundreds to thousands of connecting points that can receive information from other neurons to create neuro-pathways. When one considers that we are born with a staggering 100 billion neurons, this makes our potential for learning much greater than we can ever imagine.

The efficiency of our learning brain is determined by a complex interplay between our DNA, our physical and emotional states as well as the external environment.

Brain compatible training consists of learning and development that is designed and delivered according to principles that facilitate the formation of neuro-pathways. Here are a few examples of such principles and the way that they can be applied to adult training. These are based on recent research carried out by Prof. Renate Caine and Dr Geoffrey Caine.

The human brain is intrinsically social: The brain seems to work better when engaged in a relationship with other people. Consequently, learning is enhanced when carried out within a social environment. The more interactive the training, the more likely participants will learn.

The human brain innately searches for meaning and does this through patterning: Effective training, especially with adults, needs to make sense, otherwise the content will be discarded as meaningless. This highlights the importance of tying training content to the life context of the trainees so that they can immediately see the benefit and usefulness of learning.

This is done by presenting/eliciting examples, case studies, scenarios, and situations that are similar to the ones faced by the trainees in their daily reality. The brain attempts to make meaning by fitting new information into existing patterns of information and then making the necessary additions or modifications to assimilate the new learning.

Emotions are critical to patterning and learning: It is now firmly established that our cognitive system is heavily impacted by our emotions. Studies have shown how the emotionality of the learning experience has a direct influence on learning and retention.

A stressful, hostile environment raises levels of anxiety and tension which triggers the brain to downshift into survival mode, thus reducing its ability for the sophisticated higher-order functioning required for learning. Learning environments characterised by a relaxed and friendly atmosphere stimulate the brain and enable optimum functioning.

Optimum conditions for learning: As a result of their extensive research, Caine and Caine have established three necessary conditions for brain compatible learning. These are: an optimal state of mind called relaxed alertness, consisting of low threat and high challenge; the orchestrated immersion of the learner in a multiple, complex and authentic experience; and the regular, active processing of experience as the basis for making meaning.

Trainers can effectively use Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) to enhance brain compatible training. Consciously using principles, tools and techniques from NLP can help trainers present content in ways that match participants' various learning styles, preferences and patterns.

Tapping the brain's natural way of learning is a logical way of making learning 'stick'. It also facilitates the transfer of the training content to the everyday reality of the learners. When trainers base their programmes and training skills on well-founded principles of brain compatible learning, they also have a reliable blueprint that ensures the effectiveness of their training delivery.

Perhaps the greatest challenge we face in understanding how the brain learns is the fact that we are using the brain to understand itself. There is still a long way to go in understanding the vast complexity of the human brain, much like the universe. However, if we put what we know to good use, we can greatly enhance the way we negotiate our world through the most powerful tool we possess - the capacity to learn.

Mr Psaila is delivering a course on 'Using NLP techniques in designing and delivering training', starting on March 6, organised by the Foundation for Human Resources Development. Visit www.fhrd.org or www.workassist.eu or call 7988 7982 for more information.

Mr Psaila is a psychologist, training consultant and Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming.