Brain Based Learning

Multiple Intelligences

 Verbal Linguistic Intelligences allow for highly developed auditory skills and individuals are usually eloquent speakers. They speak in words rather than pictures. This project will appeal to these students as they listen to video and share experiences with classmates.

 Visual/Spatial Intelligence individuals tend to think in pictures and need to create vivid mental images to retain information. These students will benefit from the various pictures included, videos, and descriptions of continents and countries. Through the use of the map, learners will easily identify and retain locations.

 Bodily/Kinesthetic Intelligence allows individuals to express themselves through movement and have a good sense of balance and eye-hand coordination. These students will navigate the interactive map with ease and enjoy the hands-on aspect of using the Mappler site.

 Interpersonal Intelligence allows individuals to see things from other people’s point of view in order to understand how they think and feel. They are great organizers and encourage cooperation. These students will appreciate and respect the various cultures and diversities of people.

 Intrapersonal Intelligence has the characteristic of being strong willed who will work best alone. They do best in self-paced instruction and individualized projects. This group will enjoy working independently as they navigate the world map, visit websites and complete their assignment.

 Naturalist Intelligence will enjoy the Mappler project as this learner is sensitive to all things related to the natural world. Photos and videos of various geographical locations and land features will stimulate interest and enhance learning.

Gregorc Learning Styles

Abstract Sequential Learner will be satisfied by being presented with mentally challenging information This learner, known to be analytical and logical likes working independently and thinking for himself. Researching and gathering information for a particular task is appealing.

Abstract Random Learner is known as imaginative and focused on feeling and emotion. They enjoy problem solving in a colorful, informal environment. This learner will enjoy the multicultural aspect of the assignment along with independently navigating the map to locate various continents and countries.

Concrete Sequential Learner is known to be factual and enjoys direction with step by step instructions and expectations. This learner responds to structure and is task oriented. Directions on both the Introduction page and map will be appealing. Immediate feedback works for this learner.

Concrete Random Learner is known to be instinctive and a divergent thinker and explorer. They enjoy open ended activities and brainstorming that includes collaboration. These students will enjoy navigating the map, discussing the countries and continents visited, and listening to others.

Bloom's Taxonomy (Six levels of thinking behaviors)

Knowledge which is the lowest level of learning, will ask students to define, label, and recall. Students will complete the worksheet listing seven continents and two countries.

Comprehension is understanding and the ability to summarize, discuss, and explain. Students will be at this level during group sharing, discussing facts and findings.

Application is when you use what you know. Children will demonstrate this level of thinking when participating in extension activities: create country maps, create continent maps, create world maps showing seven continents, adding a point to the map for country location and short description.

Analyzing will occur when children recognize and describe cultural diversities.

Synthesis is assembling knowledge into a new whole. It will occur when children create their country reports with classroom teachers, synthesizing research. Extension activities will allow for synthesis of knowledge.

Evaluation is the most complex of cognitive thinking. As children research facts about their country, evaluation will be demonstrated as students decide which research will be used for report writing or adding points to the interactive map with a description of specific countries.

Sense and Meaning

"The probability of storing information varies with the degree of sense and meaning that are present" (Sousa, p.49). "Information is most likely to get stored if it makes sense and has meaning" (p.48). If sense and meaning is established, the probability that retention will occur is increased.
Sousa's theory is used in the creation of the Mappler interactive map.
Countries selected for our map are homelands of classmates, families of students, Nanny's of students, or are places visited by students. Cultural heritage of classmates also was a factor. These choices allow students to become motivated to learn as selected countries are familiar to children and part of their experiences. These countries are relevant to the learner and they have meaning. These factors will allow for learning to make long-term storage.