January 27th Learning Log

What?

Today we discussed the importance of RAD teaching. RAD is an acronym that stands for:

R: Reticular Activating System (Fight or Flight System)
A: Amydala (Emotional Center)
D: Dopamine (Feel-good neurotransmitter)

RAD teaching is important to increase knowledge retention. If implemented correctly, it creates an environment where the student can feel comfortable, predict what is coming, and at the same time have fun, spontaneous learning experiences.
Strategies that may be used to further incorporate RAD learning into the classroom would be: Novelty, fun, prediction, color, music, peer interaction, physical activity, cues, stimulation of prior knowledge and/or interest, attentive focus.

We also discussed the importance of exercise in brain function. Dr. John Ratey, a noted scientist of the brain, has proven the connection between improved brain functioning and exercise. Involving exercise into the curriculum if possible can dramatically increase classroom performance.

So What?

The things covered in class today are very important to education. Implementing current research regarding better knowledge retention not only improves the student's educational experience and comfort, but also helps them prepare for their future career paths, whether it be through college or not. As a student myself now, I can even implement these things in my life today to better improve my education experience.

Now What?

Learning how to implement these strategies now in my own life will help me better understand how to implement them in my future classroom. Upon contemplation of my primary content area (health), I can see how implementing exercise as part of the curriculum would be really quite simple. Not only would it help teach my students in a hands-on way, but it would also improve their brain functioning. In a way, I would really be doing their other teachers a favor! I do indeed plan to implement both RAD learning and exercise into my future classrooms.