NeuroMyths In The Classroom: When What You Think You Know About Learning Is Wrong

All of us hold some beliefs about something that are wrong, or partly true. It's the nature of being human, and also living in a complex world where we can't be experts in everything, so we pick up bits and pieces of "knowledge", sometimes from common wisdom that is wrong, and believe that something is true, when it's not.

What Are Neuromyths?

Neuromyths are beliefs, often held by teachers and educators about how the brain works, and how to make learning happen. In an article published by the OECD, Ulrike Rimmele explains where they come from:

A neuromyth usually starts out with a misunderstanding, a misreading and, in some cases, a deliberate warping of the scientifically established facts to make a relevant case for education or for other purposes. Due to the expectations of the applicability of brain research to educational practice, myths have rapidly developed around, for instance, the benefit of enriched environments, right- and left-brained dominance, critical periods of learning – to name the most popular ones. When these concepts are debated in journals and the popular press, educators and policy-makers alike are lost as how to discern fact from fiction. This ignorance results in certain dangers.


Potential Harm Of Neuromyths

Obviously some neuromyths may not affect instruction, but it's also possible that teachers, curriculum developers, policy makers and other decision makers may interpret myths about learning and translate them into effective wasteful techniques used in schools. At best, the effects will be neutral, but if the base for practice is false, then the practices will also be less than optimal.

Teachers, Educators, Trainers: Be Prepared For A Shock

We've gathered together a number of articles and references debunking many of these neuromyths, in the specific, but be warned, because these myths about how brains work are so commonly accepted among lay people -- or even professionals, that you'll be shocked at the common acceptance and belief in things that are just plain wrong.

 

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How much of what you think you know about how the brain works is incorrect? Or partly correct? A lot, say researchers, and that means you may be doing the wrong things in the classroom. Come along with us as we explore the many myths about learning and teaching.

Neutomyths: Research, Evidence About False Things You Believe About The Brain, Learning, and Teaching

Neuromyths - When What You Believe About The Brain Is Wrong

Video - Beware of 'Neuromyths' Like Those on Brain Usage and Improving 'Learning Styles' - by Christopher Chabris
A short five minute Wall Street Journal Video that takes on some of the myths about learning and brains, and particularly learning styles. (Views So Far 283 )

We Only Use Ten Percent Of Our Brains - False - by OECD
So many people believe this, so here's an indepth article on why it's wrong, and speculates on how this neuromyth got started. (Views So Far 278 )

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