There are three core evidence-based strategies for implementing brain-based learning strategies: retrieval practice, elaboration, and concept mapping. All three help students connect ideas more meaningfully and think more deeply — not just memorize. Each strategy is linked to how the brain stores and retrieves information, so teachers can use them intentionally rather than randomly.
Core Brain-Based Learning Strategies
1. Retrieval Practice
Retrieval practice means asking students to pull information out of their own memory (e.g., quick quizzes, short written recalls, oral questions) instead of just rereading or rehearing.
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How it works: It strengthens long-term memory because every time students recall something, they rebuild the neural pathways that encode it, making it easier to remember later.
2. Elaboration
Elaboration means encouraging students to explain ideas in their own words, connect them to prior knowledge, or give examples (e.g., “How does this relate to what we learned last week?” or “Can you think of a real-life situation?”).
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How it works: This helps students move from surface-level facts to richer, more personal understanding, because they actively interpret and extend the information instead of just copying it.
3. Concept Mapping
Concept mapping involves students visually organizing ideas by drawing nodes, bubbles, or boxes linked with arrows and labels to show relationships (e.g., main ideas, sub-ideas, causes, effects).
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How it works: This activates multiple brain systems (visual, linguistic, spatial), helping students see patterns, hierarchies, and connections that are harder to spot in linear text.
Why These Strategies Work for Deeper Thinking
Together, these three strategies push students to organize, connect, and reconstruct knowledge, rather than just recognize or repeat it. They are simple, classroom-friendly ways to design tasks that align with how memory and learning actually work, so teachers can build deeper thinking into everyday lessons.
Author: Kripa Sundar
Source: https://www.edutopia.org/article/3-brain-based-strategies-encourage-deeper-thinking/
Published: July 15, 2020
Read time: 7 minutes
