The brain is the hardware, learning is the software.
You might be wondering what does brain health have to do with instructional design? The instructional design process is involved in designing learning. Learning as we know, happens in the brain. When the brain is optimized, learning is optimized. In fact, all of the factors related to learning such as :
- self regulation
- motivation
- self efficacy
- emotion
- attention
- higher order thinking
- and memory
all come from the brain! As a former classroom instructor, I barely took the brain health of the learner into consideration, however today, I know it is best practice to consider the hardware before attempting to improve the software! This is especially true when considering learning factors of the learner such as:
- Trauma
- ADD
- ADHD
- Autism
- Dyslexia
- OCD
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Tourette's
- and more...
After my increasing desire to explore how the brain learns, I discovered the health of the brain must first be optimized in order for learning to be optimized. From that point forward, I approach every learner in my path through the lens of brain health.
A holistic approach to instruction is necessary in order to maximize learning.
One important take away that has impacted my practice is discovering how certain brain systems "shut down" when others are activated! How profound! This is why creating positive trauma-informed learning environments benefits everyone. Learning is maximized when BRIGHT MINDS is optimized:
- Blood Flow
- Retirement: Lifelong Learning
- Inflammation
- Genetics
- Head trauma
- Toxins
- Mental Health
- Immunity/ Infections
- Neurohormones
- Diabesity
- Sleep
I am not only an instructional designer, but also a brain designer because I know the brain is the organ that leads to life-long learning, healthy relationships, physical health, mental health and happiness. I have teamed up with Dr. Amen along as a Licensed brain trainer and am honored to present the courses below.
Success in anything you do starts with an optimized brain. Dr. Amen created an accredited certification course that will show you the techniques and methodologies for teaching brain health to your patients. Our Amen Clinics Certified Brain Health Professionals receive in-depth training on a multitude of conditions ranging from ADD/ADHD, anxiety, depression, memory issues, mood disorders, brain trauma, sleep disorders, weight issues, and so much more.
Help the people who serve businesses, schools, churches, anywhere people gather, have better brains and better lives. There has never been a time in history where this content is more relevant. People who take and teach this course improve their focus, creativity, resilience, happiness, overall health and so much more.
When it comes to joy and contentment, one-size-fits-all strategies will never work for everyone. You need to know what makes YOU and YOUR BRAIN uniquely happy. In this 30-day challenge, Dr. Amen will reveal happiness prescriptions for each of the 5 Primary Brain Types and will show you how to learn your type.
Improve your self-esteem, boost your confidence, and be more successful in school, work, relationships, and life.
Actionable tools, tactics & recommendations based on 30+ years of clinical experience and the world’s largest database of brain SPECT scans.
Based on neuroscience, this course can help your employees and team become mentally stronger, sharper, faster.
Learn how to nourish, protect & optimize your brain. Since the brain is malleable until age 25, the sooner you do, the better!
Earn college credits with our Brain Thrive by 25 program. Learn how to nourish and optimize the brains of kids, teens, and young adults.
This course is designed to teach kids that their brain is responsible for how they think, feel, and behave so they will develop brain envy.
If customers can’t find it, it doesn’t exist. Clearly list and describe the services you offer. Also, be sure to showcase a premium service.
For anyone who has experienced a head injury and is ready to rehabilitate their brain health and enhance their quality of life.
To overcome anxiety, depression, trauma, and grief, you need to know more about the health of your brain, body, and mind.
An in-depth understanding of the root causes of Autism and targeted remedies to alleviate symptoms
Improve your health, optimize your brain, and teach you strategies to maintain better sleep hygiene for the rest of your life.
