INIC’s Innovative Curriculum
Kids Learn More Easily Here, Thanks to Our Evidence-Based Approach
the M.T. Aldrete Learning System©
INIC Preschool's curriculum is a hybrid of Neuropsychological-Based Learning and Brain-Based Learning (also known as Neuroscience-based Learning). This approach integrates insights from neuroscience and neuropsychology to enhance teaching practices and maximize learning.
By understanding how young brains process information and emotions, our innovative approach is remarkably effective. As a result, very young learners have a special opportunity to reach their unlimited potential.
INIC co-founder, Marytere Ciccone, helped pioneer our educational model, The M.T. Aldrete Learning System©. The system has been used by more than 120 educational institutions in seven countries over the past 25 years, but it’s exclusive in Austin to INIC Preschool.
How We Apply Brain-Based Learning in the classroom
Understanding the Brain: Educators explore how the brain processes information, retains knowledge, and makes connections. We apply this understanding to design learning experiences that align with natural brain processes.
Active Learning: Brain-based learning emphasizes active engagement and hands-on experiences. Learners are more likely to retain information when they are actively involved in the learning process, rather than passively receiving information.
Multisensory Learning: The brain processes information through various sensory channels, including visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and tactile pathways. INIC curriculum incorporates multiple senses into teaching activities to enhance learning and memory retention, drawing from neuropsychological research on sensory integration and cognitive development.
Social Emotional Development: Fostering positive relationships, empathy, self-awareness, and responsible decision-making creates an environment where students feel valued, respected, and supported for emotional growth. This approach not only enhances students' well-being but also lays the foundation for academic success and positive social interactions, aligning with neuropsychological principles of emotional regulation and social cognition.
Feedback & Reflection: Brain-based learning encourages students to develop self-awareness, reflection, and goal setting, integrating insights from neuropsychology on executive function and self-regulation. INIC Preschool students learn to understand their own learning processes, resulting in more independent and effective learners.
Variety & Novelty: Brain-based learning advocates for incorporating variety and novelty into lessons to keep students engaged and stimulate their curiosity. This approach also draws from neuropsychological findings on attention and motivation.
Brain-Compatible Instruction: INIC’s teaching strategies align with how the brain naturally processes information, incorporating insights from neuropsychology on cognitive processing and memory formation. This may include techniques such as chunking information into small manageable units, providing opportunities for repetition and practice, and incorporating storytelling and visuals to enhance comprehension.
Brain-Compatible Environments: Creating environments that support learning is essential, considering factors such as classroom layout, lighting, colors, temperature, and noise levels. Those elements impact the ability to focus and learn effectively, informed by neuropsychological research on environmental influences on learning and behavior.
Physical Activity & Movement: Movement and physical activity stimulate brain function and enhance learning and memory. INIC Preschool’s curriculum incorporates movement breaks, kinesthetic learning activities, and outdoor experiences, aligning with neuropsychological evidence on the beneficial effects of exercise on cognitive function and academic performance.
Brain-Based vs. Neuropsychological-Based Learning
These evidence-based concepts are closely related but have different emphases. Because INIC takes concepts from both, we are able to create a unique curriculum that provides childcare aged students with more engaging, effective, and enjoyable learning experiences.
Brain-Based Learning: Brain-based learning focuses on the application of neuroscience findings to inform teaching practices and optimize learning experiences. It emphasizes understanding how the brain functions and learns, and it seeks to align teaching methods with natural brain processes to enhance effectiveness. Brain-based learning often involves strategies such as multisensory learning, active engagement, and creating brain-compatible environments.
Neuropsychological-Based Learning: Neuropsychological-based learning typically refers to an approach that integrates principles from both neuroscience and psychology to inform educational practices. While it shares the foundational idea of utilizing insights from brain science to improve learning outcomes, it may place additional emphasis on understanding the cognitive and psychological processes involved in learning. This approach may delve deeper into topics such as memory, attention, executive function, and learning disabilities, drawing on research from neuropsychology to inform instructional strategies.