Using animation and jargon-free narration, this charming film summarizes what is currently known about learning from brain research, cognitive development research and contemporary educational practice. Designed to be used as an introduction to discussion of school and teaching practices, this film also serves as an introduction to the study of learning in introductory education and psychology classes. Animation depicts the firing of synapses, the growth of dendrites and the concept of the brain plasticity, making the point that learning is as basic a human activity as breathing or eating. Factors that lead to school success are presented in a model that reflects the work of Erik Erikson, Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky without mentioning them by name. This video can thus serve as a starting point for a range of audiences interested in educational matters but leery of jargon-filled expositions.
"How do children learn? How is information processed? What roles do memory, imagination, emotional and social factors play in the learning process? What is long term learning? These are some of the many questions that are addressed in How Children Learn, and what is misleading about this title is that the focus of the film is not solely on how children learn, but how people learn. Designed as an introduction to discussion of school and teaching practices, the producers of How Children Learn state that 'factors that lead to school success are presented in a model that reflects the work of Erik Erikson, Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky without mentioning them by name.' Viewers see colorful images of the firing of synapses, the growth of dendrites and the concept of the brain plasticity, stressing the point that learning is as basic a human activity as breathing or eating. "Some of the topics discussed in How Children Learn include the role of brain physiology, social influences on learning, and the role of schooling. Examples of brain physiology depicted in the video illustrate how the more ways information is learned, the more available it is in the learning environment. This video also provides an in-depth discussion of social influences on learning, with examples of how emotional and social factors influence school success. Lastly, the role schooling plays on how children learn is examined, including an explanation of the necessary components of school experiences for success. "How Children Learn is accompanied by a well written, poetic and clearly articulated script by Frances W. Davidson, humorous yet timely narration by Glenn C. Norberg, eye-catching computer art and animation by Lin Mercer, and upbeat music by The Fabulous Mercers. What is also interesting about How Children Learn is the merging of animation and video as well as an inclusive selection of male and female and multicultural participants. A welcome addition to video collections in general Education, Early Childhood Education and Educational Psychology, How Children Learn is highly recommended." --Belinda L. Robinson-Jones, Coordinator, Educational Media Center/AV, Ohio University - MATC - Zanesville Campus Library, Zanesville, OH 43701
