How Youth Learn: Ned’s GR8 8 Video

By What Kids Can Do
January 8, 2010

If you’re a teenage speaker brought in to address a crowd of teachers on the subject of how you and your peers learn best . . . what are you going to say? In this funny and fast-paced “NED talk” produced by What Kids Can Do (WKCD), Ned knocks out eight powerful conditions of learning that mirror research in Mind, Brain, and Education.

Ned begins by sharing that he has to “feel OK” to learn effectively. If learning experiences are positive, students will be motivated to engage in them; but if they are riddled with stress or other negative emotions, students will jump through hoops to get out of them.

He then goes on to explain that it is easier for him to learn when “it’s active” and “it matters.” In educational terms, this means that if students are passively sitting in a class while a teacher is lecturing, they are not necessarily learning anything. Students will learn more effectively when they are actively engaged in learning activities that they care about.

Finally, Ned discusses the importance of working on his skills over time with support. Connections in the brain that are used most often are strengthened, and those that are used least often are gradually weakened. As Ned says, “use it or lose it.”

By the way, Ned also recommends zesty party mix so get yourself a bag, and enjoy the video!

 

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