Brain-based learning and animated cartoons in health education

Brain-based learning (BBL), video compact disc presentation of animated cartoons (VCD), and conventional teaching ( control group). The trial duration was 16 weeks The intervention for experimental group 1(Exp.gr.1: BBL+VCD) involved teachers inserting the BBL technique into regular classroom sessions for the students (at least 15 minutes every day) and then students watched a VCD animated cartoon. There was one cartoon story lasting 2-3 minutes for each of the Thai Ten Commandments for Health (TTCH), and new cartoon was used each day for 10 consecutive days. The students were able to repeat the same story as much as they wanted at the same day, and the cycle of one of the 10 VCD cartoons per day was repeated over the 16 week period of the trial. The intervention for experimental group 2 (Exp.gr.2: BBL only), was the same as for experimental group 1, but with the VCD component omitted. The intervention for experimental group 3 (Exp.gr. 3: VCD only) was the same as for experimental group 1, but with the BBL component omitted. The intervention for group 4 was the control condition in which children were exposed to the classroom teaching of the TTCH using conventional teaching methods (ie without either BBL or VCD) for 15 minutes every day for 16 weeks. In each of the 4 groups, the teaching of the TTCH was supervised by the usual classroom teacher. 1.The BBL technique included the following six features: 1) readiness - creating an environment that fully immerses learners in the learning experience through various physical activities; 2) relaxation - trying to eliminate fear in learners while maintaining a highly challenging environment; 3) brain gym - exercising the brain in conjunction with classical music for five minutes; 4) brain linkage - reviewing a previous experience and linking it to a new experience by asking questions; 5) active processing - allowing the learner to consolidate and internalize information for the sole purpose of practicing healthy habits; and 6) agreement inducing practice - asking the learners to promise to practice the healthy habits that they learned both at school and at home every day. 2. The Thai Ten Commandments for Health as follows: 1.Personal hygiene including clean clothes and dressing 2.Clean teeth thoroughly and do this every day 3.Wash hands before eating and after using the toilet 4. Eat food that is cooked, clean, and without hazardous chemicals; do not eat food mixed with hazardous colors 5. No smoking, no alcohol, no drugs, no gambling, and no unsafe sex 6. Build strong relationships within the family 7. Prevent accidents by being careful 8. Exercise regularly and see the doctor annually for a health check up 9. Keep good mental health 10. Take on responsibilities and do something beneficial for society 3.LCD projectors and computer screens or television sets as visual aids were provided for VCD cartoons at classrooms.