Brain-based learning works wonders

BBL can also boost a student's positive behaviour.

"Almost 100 per cent of my students are interested in reading these days. Only a few with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can't do that. This compares with as many as 85 per cent who did not pay any attention to reading," says Tongpoon Ruanmoon, a teacher at Chiang Mai's the Prince Royal's College who implements BBL in her teaching.

Anuban Sisaket School principal Tiva Roungkaw says his Grade 1 students are now able to read during their first semester, while in the past they were able to read only in the second semester.

Tongpoon finds her students are less naughty and have better concentration after she started teaching them using the BBL methodology.

"I hardly find students quarrelling now. They're more confident to explain their reasons and enthusiasm to study," she says.

Both Tongpoon and Anuban say their students require more books to be provided for them at schools and the number of students borrowing books from the school libraries was much higher.

The educators were speaking at a meeting of the Institute for Gifted and Innovative Learning (IGIL) annual academic conference entitled "Creative Brain...towards Creative Economy and Society" held at Bitec from October 16 to 17.

BBL is a method of teaching that makes connections between teaching and the young student's brain.

Both schools say that intimacy between teachers and pupils and learning through actions are important keys of their success. They have adjusted periods and contents of some subjects as the BBL technique gives importance to all the subjects.

They let their students start with listening to different kinds of fairy tales with simple words and illustrations then tell them to read the words and watch the illustrations together with teachers.

They also have their students write essays independently every weekday, depending on their imagination.

The Prince Royal's College arranges corners for pupils to read, play and draw pictures in a classroom.

Anuban Sisaket School arranges for its students to do workouts and recreational activities before starting their classes every morning to arouse their brain to be ready for studies.

IGIL has introduced BBL in 12 schools nationwide since the past three years.

IGIL director Orapin Sopchokchai says more than 900 schools under the Basic Education Commission have so far used the method.

"The results found after implementing are very satisfying as students have a quicker rate of learning and the absence rate is lower," says Orapin.