This letter is in reaction to Dr. Leonardo Leonidas’ commentary titled “The brain gap” (Inquirer, 6/12/12). I agree with Leonidas, but let me point out an error—it’s Fast ForWord, not Fast ForWard.
Leonidas was spot-on with his observations about the Philippines’ educational system today. Teachers, educators, and even parents, have difficulty understanding the learning needs of today’s youth. Some people call it the generation gap, others call it a learning gap, some might even call it simple misunderstanding, but it is surprising and somewhat enlightening to know that neuroscience has provided us with an answer.
In Leonidas’ commentary, he cited several researches that give evidence that our brains, their physiology and anatomy, and the brains of those younger than us, the youth of today, are different.
Harvard Medical School has proven that the brains of babies exposed to “stimulation” have thicker brain tissues and are more mature than the brains of babies who received conventional or standard care. Research has also shown that new language learned later in life is stored in a different area of the brain compared with the first language we learn as children. Complicated finger tapping, playing music or musical instruments, and rewired visual and hearing inputs are some of the many activities mentioned that prove that one’s environment affects the brain’s anatomy.
Through this, we can explain that the young students of today learn differently from the expectations of their teachers, educators and parents.
I find it truly inspiring to witness phenomenal results from the application of Scientific Learning’s Fast ForWord products and services here in the Philippines. Fast
ForWord is a series of computer-based language and reading products that build and strengthen the cognitive skills of memory, attention, processing and sequencing skills—or learning MAPS—which are the building blocks of academic learning and reading success.
In the United States and Canada, Fast ForWord has been used in retraining kids with reading difficulties. In a study involving 60 independent professionals at 35 centers using a standardized test, 90 percent of children gained in one or more of the tested areas.
Here in the Philippines, 16 students using Fast ForWord improved their phonological awareness and memory skills, as measured by standardized tests. These results were gained after using the program for only 8-12 weeks!
As an educator, I am in constant search for new ways and techniques to help my students with or without learning difficulties. I keep an open mind for fun and exciting teaching tools that are at par with their learning needs. I keep an open heart to accept that I need to improve myself—and my brain—in order to keep pace with them. In Phil Collins’ words, “[I]n learning you will teach, in teaching, you will learn.” Teachers, educators and parents, it is time to learn.
—ARDEN GONZALES,
arden.gonzales@gmail.com