Benefits of Brain Training
Benefits of Brain Training
When prospective clients consult with Brain Works, they often ask, “Will this help my child?” The answer is absolutely! Our method can help them learn faster and maximize their potential while boosting the learning process. While our brain training program uniquely focuses on cognitive skills improvement, we also help improve learning, reading, and math skills.
Who Can Benefit from Brain Training?
Students, career professionals, and anyone who wants to sharpen their mental focus can benefit from our brain training methods. Whether the goal is an improvement in a specific area or struggles with a learning disability, our professional staff wants to help you get better with learning.
This form of cognitive skills training is more effective than tutoring because it:
- Strengthens the skills and processes needed to learn, think, read, and perform.
- Goes beyond individual subject content and improves the ability to grasp information.
- Focuses on memory, attention, processing speed, logic/reasoning, and other core cognitive skills.
- Involves personal training on a one-on-one basis.
- Concentrates on learning challenges to improve cognitive skills.
There have been many arguments for and against brain training. A 2016 CNN report noted how the Federal Trade Commission took a stance on businesses that offered brain gaming. A statement from 75 scientists and experts worldwide in 2014 (arguing against the benefits for older adults), more spoke out with favorable evidence even as the FTC began cracking down on some companies. An international group of 133 scientists and practitioners said training programs aimed at boosting brain power were active, just a few months after the initial statement by the university and institutional professionals. Nonetheless, Brain Works has real evidence its cognitive skills program is more beneficial than the repetitive nature of traditional tutoring centers.
Results of Brain Training vs. Tutoring
Tutoring only repeats the same material the student gets presented with in class. It can provide a quick fix but does not address the underlying mental processes related to one’s difficulties. If unaddressed, the same lacking cognitive skills will serve as a hindrance to learning at the next level of learning. We know our results last because we do our best to measure the results. The Woodcock Johnson Test is used to measure cognitive skills before and after the brain training program.
Positive Impacts of Brain Training
The positive impacts on children and students have been reported by many clients. Testimonials on our website provide conclusive evidence that training the brain and improving cognitive skills at the core of learning do work.
Julie
Struggles in school and a lack of motivation sparked Julie to enroll her son Craig in the program. Challenges such as auditory and visual processing disorders and short attention span were impacting performance in and out of the academic environment. After completing cognitive training assignments, he showed signs of brain training benefits such as improved confidence and comprehension. Craig also completed a job testing and training process with the potential to kick off a successful career.
Carol
Her fifth-grade daughter was three years behind in learning and was quite reclusive. After three weeks of training, she began to participate in class rather than avoid speaking up. By seventh grade, she was helping other students in her grade with math problems. A year later, she was reading at college level and was earning straight A’s and engaging in many social activities once in college.
Sheri
She enrolled her 10-year-old son who had academic and behavioral issues related to ADD and a daughter who was far behind academically. After a month of cognitive training, the boy showed signs of improvement. He was better cooperating with his football team and was more focused on chores at home as well. Over time, her daughter improved her vocabulary, reading, and test scores.
Ammon
After completing the Brain Works program, Ammon was able to improve in spelling, reading, math, and other subjects. Beforehand, he struggled in the classroom. An improvement in school subjects was noted later. He also expressed confidence he’d succeed during the upcoming school year.
Katie
At nine years old, her daughter was struggling with concentration and keeping up with school work. Homework was a challenge to complete. After two months, she demonstrated a clearer focus and improved reading levels. She surpassed the expected reading level of her class. Katie also noticed similar results with her six-year-old daughter.
The Focuses of Brain Training
The brain training definition differs from tutoring in that it focuses directly on why a student struggles to grasp and process information. Brain training can help young students who have trouble learning, doing homework, participating in class, and socializing. It also helps our older students who have difficulties finding and holding down a job. Brain training treats the root cause of learning problems and it focuses on cognitive skills and the learning process. Here are the skills that brain training can help direct:
Attention
Attention is one of the key skills because the ability to focus and concentrate is crucial for learning at any stage of development or grade level. There are two types of attention we focus on selective and divided.
Speed
Speed determines how quickly an individual processes information. Processing speed enables one to read more quickly, listen better, and complete math problems. With techniques such as cognitive training, a person can more easily visualize information they read and hear, which helps increase mental sharpness.
Memory
Short and long-term memory is important for learning. They are needed for recalling information for use during a school project or while taking a test. Children are also often required to read directions and follow them closely.
Logic and Reasoning
Logic and reasoning are the core skills behind thinking. Students need these to answer questions and solve math problems and master other skills in life, such as brainstorming, reading manuals, or solving problems at work or at home.
In addition to its focus on individual cognitive skills, brain training also focuses on the following:
The Learning Process
By learning and improving cognitive skills, it is easier for children to learn. The non-academic training provided by Brain Works targets attention, memory, logic/reasoning, processing speed, and other core mental abilities. It not only aims to improve performance at their grade level but skills that help them become better problem-solvers throughout life.
One-on-One Training
Students work with a private training specialist throughout the process. This professional works at their pace and is dedicated to addressing individual abilities and goals, rather than those of an entire class. A customized training plan can, therefore, be developed and implemented.
Brain Training: A Four-Step Process
Brain Works has established a four-step process to identify and address students’ strengths and weaknesses. These include:
- Schedule an assessment: Receive a program demonstration; a meeting with a location director can be set up as well.
- Cognitive Skills Assessment: After an hour-long test, Brain Works identifies well-developed cognitive skills and the ones that need improvement. The program can be customized to address any cognitive weakness. At this time, proficiency and deficits in brain skills are discussed and how they contribute to learning struggles.
- A 26 to 32-week training process: A brain trainer works with the student for about an hour daily.
- A Final Cognitive Skills Assessment: After they complete the program, a second cognitive assessment is conducted to measure changes in a student’s cognitive performance.
Help for Learning Disabilities
A secondary program focuses on sensory development and behavior modification through life application concepts. The process involves physical activity to generate neurological pathways. It also focuses on awareness of how one’s brain functions, and on reshaping the person’s behavior and attitude toward learning and problem-solving. When students benefit from brain training through Brain Works, they have shown improvements in learning, reading, concentrating, and articulating. They have demonstrated more focus and motivation, along with improved performance and grades. If traditional methods such as tutoring are not yielding the desired results for your student, contact Brain Works today for a free assessment and information on a customized brain training program.
Brain training benefits children and other people with:
- Central auditory processing disorder
- Visual processing disorder
- Sensory integration disorder
- Non-verbal learning disorder
- Asperger’s syndrome
- Dyslexia
- Dysgraphia
- Dyspraxia
- Dyscalculia
- Aphasia