Brain Gym
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Brain Gym is a controversial training program that makes various claims about the benefits of certain exercises and postures in learning. It is widely used in UK state schools. It is also offered to both children and adults in parts of the United States and Canada.
The program is billed as an introductory level program in Educational Kinesiology (Edu-K), a form of applied kinesiology previously known as Edu-Kinesthetics. It was presented by Paul E. Dennison and Gail E. Dennison in their booklets Switching On: A Guide to Edu-Kinesthetics (1980) and Brain Gym – Simple Activities for Whole Brain Learning (1986).[1] It is based on the premise that all learning begins with movement, also supporting the idea that any learning challenges can be overcome by finding the right movements, to subsequently create new pathways in the brain.
[edit] Criticism
Brain Gym has been particularly criticised by Ben Goldacre of The Guardian's Bad Science pages as its explanatory framework is of dubious scientific legitimacy and the supporting research evidence for its efficacy seems to be published only in the company's own journal, which is not peer reviewed. [2]
According to Andrew Brown, a Psychology postgraduate at Sheffield University, Brain Gym "offers a very quick, relatively cheap, easy fix to almost any ailment". It "contains enough (incorrect or inappropriate) science to go unquestioned by teachers". It has the "trappings of scientific respectability". Brain Gym may, according to Brown, be popular due to positive effects of the program: It is fun, there are special components like being allowed to drink in class, and in addition, Brown sees a huge potential for expectancy and placebo effects. [3]
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ The Official Brain Gym Web Site – FAQ, accessed 2006-09-30
- ^ Collection of Ben Goldacre's articles on Brain Gym
- ^ Andrew Brown (2005). Environmental Enrichment: Interventions and Interpretations (Powerpoint). Retrieved on 2006-09-30.
