Examining How the
Brain Works in
Service-Learning
The 3 instructional techniques
associated with brain-based
learning are:
• Orchestrated immersion–Creating
learning environments that fully
immerse students in an educational
experience
• Relaxed alertness–Trying to eliminate
fear in learners, while maintaining a
highly challenging environment
• Active processing–Allowing the learner
to consolidate and internalize
information by actively processing it
Service-Learning uses all 3
• Orchestrated immersion–Creating learning
environments that fully immerse students in
an educational experience
• Students are actively engaged in the process
of creating an event that will actually take
place. It applies theory in a meaningful way
that will help others.
Fear of Failure
• Relaxed alertness–Trying to eliminate fear in
learners, while maintaining a highly challenging
environment
• Students are challenged to apply theory in a new
way and that is overwhelming to them. Having them
focus on the event can help reduce the fear of
failure that many students experience in servicelearning.
Reflection
• Active processing–Allowing the learner to
consolidate and internalize information by actively
processing it
• Upon completion of a service-learning project, it is
good to have the students write their reflections.
This gives them the value time needed to think
about what they have learned. Cornell Notes will
help them gather the thoughts together.
Cornell Notes
• Active processing–Allowing the learner to
consolidate and internalize information by actively
processing it
• Cornell noteshttp://coe.jmu.edu/LearningToolbox/cornellnotes.html
• A simple way to get students to take notes
interactively. A simple way to get students to review
notes systematically. A simple way for students to
practice higher level thinking skills. A simple way for
students to think actively as they learn.
Student Sample of Cornell Note
taking