Strategies to Support 2e Learners

2. Relationships, Relevance, and Rigor

Eric Jenson, the well-known author of Brain-Based Learning, notes in his book that the brain transfers learning to long-term memory when it connects with something relevant. 

Students also "buy" from teachers who form respectful relationships with them and work to challenge them.  Jenson says when the brain is not "buying" what you are "selling" the brain is not changing.  

Neurological research tells us that the brain buys relationships, relevance, and rigor.  With those three pieces in place the brain then learns, changes, and grows (the ultimate goal of school!).  Forming relationships with students is part of creating a nurturing environment along with supporting students' affective needs.  Relevance and rigor and are included within learning strategies.  Part of the power of strength-based, interest-based learning is that relevance is built into these opportunities by the student's own motivation.