USM to look into new brainier ways of learning

Star: KOTA BARU: Imagine a new technique which uses music to help a child learn Mathematics or where children are taught to use their brains effectively rather than just memorising their lessons.
This is what Universiti Sains Malaysia plans to look into by setting up of a research body called BRAINnetwork which it hopes will lead in brain science research in the country.
BRAINnetwork coordinator Assoc Prof Dr Zalina Ismail said that in Malaysia, brain research was geared towards curing diseases.
“USM’s campaign, however, is focused on the wellness of the brain. It is more on preventive rather than curing.
“We want to empower the brain and use the findings from tests done on the seven types of brain intelligence,” she said in an interview.
Among the types of brain intelligence are mathematical ability, memory and reflex abilities.
Dr Zalina said she did not regard anyone as stupid. She said a person might be weaker or stronger when it came to using the brain intelligence.
“But most importantly, they must use the stronger intellect to develop themselves mentally and physically,” she said.
The medical doctor, who also has a law degree, said the target groups of the research are children and the rural communities.
“We want to give back to the rural community by teaching them how best to use their brains. Kelantan is a suitable state for us to begin our reach-out programmes,” she said.
BRAINnetwork has teamed up with Total Repute Sdn Bhd, which will organise seminars, workshops and activities to encourage the young to learn about their brain.
It will also hold exhibitions on mind-mapping and mental tests to gauge the intelligence abilities of the young.
Dr Zalina said USM wanted to promote a brain-based concept of learning instead of the routine memory and comprehension methods adopted by all learning institutions.
“We want learning in Malaysia to be transformed into a brain-based method. We must change how we teach rather than what we teach.
“Through the brain-based concept, students can be taught mathematics through music. Some who are poor in calculations but good in music can still be good mathematics students,” she said.
On brain exercises, she recommended reading more, doing puzzles, playing certain video games and improving eye-to-hand contact.
She said certain types of brain food could be nutritious and help improve mental health.