Applying Brain-Based Learning Principles to Athletic Training Education

Objective: To present different concepts and techniques related to the application of brain-based learning principles to Athletic Training clinical education.

Background: The body of knowledge concerning how our brains physically learn continues to grow. Brain-based learning principles, developed by numerous authors, offer advice on how to facilitate learning in students. Implementing these principles into clinical instruction lessons, whatever the instructional strategy being used, may potentially increase the retention of student knowledge and their ability to transfer that knowledge to different contexts.

Description: A review of brain-based learning literature was conducted through searches in Medline, ERIC, SPORTDiscus, and DAI. Common themes from the literature are described. Concepts to use when creating lessons and examples of techniques are then presented to aid the athletic training instructor in implementing some of the brain-based learning principles in clinical education. Examples using different athletic training proficiencies are offered.

Application: The profession of athletic training lends itself well to many of the brain-based learning principles. Specifically, the clinical education component of athletic training education is full of possibilities for incorporation of these principles. Many techniques are offered to enhance the athletic training instructor's ability to facilitate student learning through thoughtful incorporation of brain-based learning principles.