FriendlyBrain Tip 299: Surfing the Waves of your Brain

This week's FriendlyBrain Tip comes to you from Dorien De Vidts of the Kaizen Team.

You probably already know that waves are not limited to the oceans - humans have waves as well - brain waves.  These are described in terms of frequency bands.  A frequency is the number of times a wave repeats itself in a second - expressed in hertz (Hz) or cycles per second (cps).

Welcome to the wonders of brainwave patterns  - and how you can USE them when designing learning experiences.

Gamma (40 cps and more)
Gamma brainwaves are the most rapid.  Recently, they have been receiving more attention by researchers.  Our brain reaches Gamma when we have to process information from different areas.  Having a good memory means your brain is able to produce 40 cps or more in a well-regulated and efficient way.  The deficiency of Gamma brainwaves can create learning difficulties.

Beta (13 - 40 cps)

When we have our eyes open, our brain is mostly in this state.  Beta brain waves enable us to be mentally aware and highly concentrated when we need to be.  For example if we are giving a presentation, planning, analysing information or problem solving, or playing sports.  In other words when we're doing work that needs our full attention.  Our neurons are firing rapidly and abundantly in order to achieve peak performance.

Alpha (8 - 12 cps)

When our brain is in Alpha state, we feel a sense of relaxation, calm, peace and well-being.  It enhances our long-term memory, expands our awareness and provides a bridge between our conscious and unconscious minds.  This state is great for releasing creativity and helps us to integrate mind and body.  This is the state to aim for when you want your learners to remember, recall, review (or preview) information.

Theta (4 - 7 cps)

This state occurs when our brain activity slows down - almost, but not quite, to the point of sleep.  Theta brain waves reduce stress, awaken our intuition and enable us to receive information beyond our conscious awareness.

Delta (0.5 - 3 cps)

Delta brain waves have the lowest frequences.  They occur during deep sleep and allow us to integrate and let go.  Good for accessing information from our unconscious and bringing it back to conscious attention.  Interestingly, these brain wave patterns also occur when we are in deep empathy with another person.

You will notice that all these frequences have an important role in our lives and our learning.  Accessing different brain wave patterns allows us to create natural, rich and long-lasting learning.

Call to Action

• Take a look at your workshop designs - and analyse the opportunities you're giving people to access different brain wave patterns
• Introduce some different activities to access the different states.