Why Brain Based Learning Teaching Eric Jensen Is Trending Now

Author anthony Tuesday, 16 September 2025

Educator and author Eric Jensen's brain-based learning principles are experiencing a resurgence in popularity, sparking renewed interest in how the science of the brain can inform effective teaching methods. This renewed focus comes amidst growing concerns about learning loss following the pandemic and a wider societal push for more personalized and engaging educational approaches. Jensen's work, emphasizing the importance of understanding how the brain learns, is being revisited by educators seeking to optimize student outcomes.

The Resurgence of Brain-Based Learning
Key Principles of Jensen's Brain-Based Learning
Criticisms and Counterarguments
Practical Applications and Future Trends

The Resurgence of Brain-Based Learning

The renewed interest in Eric Jensen's brain-based learning is not a sudden phenomenon but rather a culmination of several factors. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted education, leading to learning loss and highlighting the need for more adaptable and effective teaching strategies. Simultaneously, a growing body of neuroscience research continues to refine our understanding of how the brain learns, providing empirical support for many of Jensen's core principles. Furthermore, a greater emphasis on personalized learning and differentiated instruction has created a receptive audience for methodologies that cater to individual learning styles and neurological differences. This confluence of factors has pushed brain-based learning, and Jensen's work in particular, back into the forefront of educational discourse.

"The pandemic really forced us to look at what works and what doesn't," explains Dr. Anya Sharma, a professor of educational psychology at the University of California, Berkeley. "Jensen's focus on engaging multiple learning pathways and creating emotionally safe learning environments has become particularly relevant in addressing the learning gaps created by the disruption." The increased availability of online resources and professional development opportunities focused on brain-based learning also contributes to its current popularity.

Key Principles of Jensen's Brain-Based Learning

Jensen's work centers on the idea that effective teaching must be informed by an understanding of how the brain functions. His numerous books, including "Brain-Based Learning," "Enriching the Brain," and "Teaching with the Brain in Mind," outline several key principles:

Emotional Engagement is Crucial:

The brain learns best when it is emotionally engaged. Fear and stress impair learning; positive emotions and a sense of safety enhance it. Jensen emphasizes creating a classroom environment that fosters a sense of community, belonging, and mutual respect. This involves understanding students' individual emotional needs and adapting teaching strategies accordingly. This includes providing opportunities for collaboration, creating a supportive classroom climate and encouraging active participation.

Learning is a Multisensory Process:

The brain does not learn in isolation. Jensen advocates for the use of multiple learning modalities, incorporating visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and tactile elements into lessons. This caters to diverse learning styles and ensures that information is processed and retained more effectively. The use of real-world examples, hands-on activities, and multimedia resources are crucial aspects of this approach.

The Importance of Memory Systems:

Jensen highlights the importance of understanding different memory systems, including working memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory. Effective teaching strategies need to consider how information is encoded, stored, and retrieved. Techniques such as spaced repetition, interleaving, and elaborative rehearsal can be used to enhance memory and retention.

The Role of the Prefrontal Cortex:

The prefrontal cortex, responsible for higher-order cognitive functions, plays a critical role in learning. Jensen stresses the importance of developing executive functions like attention, working memory, and self-regulation. Activities that challenge students’ problem-solving skills and encourage metacognition (thinking about thinking) are integral to fostering this development.

Criticisms and Counterarguments

Despite its growing popularity, brain-based learning is not without its critics. Some argue that the application of neuroscience to education is overly simplistic and that many of Jensen’s principles lack robust empirical support. Critics often point to a lack of rigorous scientific evidence linking specific brain-based strategies to significant improvements in student outcomes. Moreover, some argue that the term "brain-based learning" itself is too broad and lacks a clear definition, leading to inconsistent interpretations and applications.

"While the principles behind brain-based learning are intuitively appealing, we need more rigorous research to demonstrate their effectiveness in diverse classroom settings," cautions Dr. David Miller, a cognitive neuroscientist at Stanford University. "Simply incorporating multi-sensory activities, for instance, doesn't automatically guarantee improved learning outcomes. We need to carefully assess the impact of specific interventions." This critique underscores the need for further research to validate the effectiveness of various brain-based learning strategies in diverse contexts.

Practical Applications and Future Trends

Despite the criticisms, many educators are finding practical ways to integrate brain-based learning principles into their teaching. This involves creating collaborative learning environments, incorporating movement and hands-on activities into lessons, using technology to enhance engagement, and fostering positive relationships with students. Furthermore, the growing availability of neuroscience-informed professional development programs is empowering educators to adopt evidence-based strategies for enhancing learning.

Looking ahead, the integration of technology and neuroscience is expected to play a significant role in shaping the future of brain-based learning. Tools such as brainwave monitoring and personalized learning platforms could provide educators with real-time insights into student learning processes, enabling more targeted and effective instruction. The development of more robust research methodologies is also crucial for clarifying the effectiveness of different brain-based strategies.

In conclusion, the renewed interest in Eric Jensen's brain-based learning reflects a growing understanding of the importance of neuroscience in education. While criticisms remain, the core principles of engaging emotions, utilizing multiple learning modalities, and considering the brain's various memory systems offer valuable insights for educators seeking to create more effective and engaging learning experiences. Further research and refinement are needed, but the trend toward brain-based learning demonstrates a commitment to aligning pedagogical approaches with the science of how the brain learns, ultimately aiming to improve student outcomes and foster a more holistic approach to education.

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