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We share evidence-based K-12 learning strategies that empower you to improve education.

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Blogs on Brain-Based Learning

Brain-Based Learning

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Understand how the brain works and how educators and parents can improve the learning process.

When Students Have No Memory of September 11

Ben JohnsonSeptember 1, 2011

Tags Brain Research, Teacher Development, Upper Elementary (3-5), Middle (6-8), High (9-12), All Grades, History

Memory is an interesting thing. At school we try so hard to get students to remember things, but some memories are indelibly imprinted without any effort at all. For example, I have a vivid memory of where I was and what I was doing on September 11, 2001. Everyone that I have asked also has a vivid memory of this tragic event. They can remember the other people in the room, and their reactions. They can remember colors, surroundings, and even sounds, as if they were using a video recording.

The Science Behind Adult Learning

Elena AguilarAugust 22, 2011

Tags Brain Research, Primary (K-2), Teacher Development, Upper Elementary (3-5), Middle (6-8), High (9-12)

'Tis the season of professional development for many of us who work in schools. While PD can be meaningful, sometimes the experience feels like we were the unwilling recipients of an unpleasant procedure -- we were professionally developed; our descriptions employ the same tone, syntax, and non-verbal language as when describing a colonoscopy.

The Brain-Based Benefits of Writing for Math and Science Learning (Part 2 of 7)

Judy Willis MDJuly 11, 2011

Tags Brain Research, Literacy, Teacher Development, All Grades, English Language Arts, Math, Science

Former neurologist and teacher Judy Willis MD continues with her 5-part series on how young brains develop neurologically. This post covers the benefits of writing, particularly for logical functions like math and science learning.

As science and math are slated for more emphasis in our classrooms, writing should not be sacrificed. Indeed, in the past two decades, neuroscience and cognitive science research have provided increasing evidence that correlates creativity with academic, social, and emotional intelligence. Writing can help the brain to develop the logical functions required for successful math and science learning.

Understanding How the Brain Thinks (Part 1 of 7)

Judy Willis MDJune 13, 2011

Tags Brain Research, Comprehensive Assessment, Formative Assessment, Teacher Development, Upper Elementary (3-5), Middle (6-8), High (9-12), All Grades

Former neurologist and teacher Judy Willis will be presenting a 5-part series on how young brains develop neurologically; she'll also offer some research-based classroom strategies to teach critical thinking and other 21st century skills.

Understanding How the Brain Works

For 21st century success, now more than ever, students will need a skill set far beyond the current mandated standards that are evaluated on standardized tests. The qualifications for success in today's ever-changing world will demand the ability to think critically, communicate clearly, use continually changing technology, be culturally aware and adaptive, and possess the judgment and open-mindedness to make complex decisions based on accurate analysis of information. The most rewarding jobs of this century will be those that cannot be done by computers.

A Neurologist Makes the Case for the Video Game Model as a Learning Tool

Judy Willis MDApril 14, 2011

Tags Brain Research, Game-Based Learning, Student Engagement, Teacher Development, All Grades

The popularity of video games is not the enemy of education, but rather a model for best teaching strategies. Games insert players at their achievable challenge level and reward player effort and practice with acknowledgement of incremental goal progress, not just final product. The fuel for this process is the pleasure experience related to the release of dopamine.

Building Math Positivity

Judy Willis MDDecember 1, 2010

Tags Brain Research, Parental Involvement, Primary (K-2), Teacher Development, Upper Elementary (3-5), Middle (6-8), High (9-12), Math

Today's guest blogger is Judy Willis. A former neurologist, Judy is now is an elementary and middle school teacher as well as the author of numerous books on the brain and learning. This post is an excerpt from her latest,
Learning to Love Math. Read More

Do Standards Kill Creativity?

Claus von ZastrowAugust 10, 2010

Tags Brain Research, Comprehensive Assessment, Project-Based Learning, Teacher Development, Upper Elementary (3-5), Middle (6-8), High (9-12), Science

I'll spare you the suspense. The answer is an emphatic no. In fact, strong content standards can support creativity in our schools. Standards can get a bad rap because they conjure specters of standardization, uniformity and dogma.

Stirring Students to Ask Tougher Questions

Heather Wolpert-GawronApril 16, 2010

Tags Brain Research, Comprehensive Assessment, Teacher Development, Middle (6-8), English Language Arts

I recently introduced Costa's Levels of Questioning to my students. We have some teachers at my school talking about these triggers of metacognition, so it compliments everyone's efforts to enter this discussion in the classroom.

Guest Blog: Report from the Learning and the Brain Conference

Betty RayMarch 6, 2010

Tags Brain Research

Editor's Note: Guest blogger Kevin D. Washburn, Ed.D., is the Executive Director of Clerestory Learning, and co-founder/ owner of Make Way for Books among many other things. He recently attended the Learning and the Brain conference in San Francisco where there was a fascinating confluence of thinkers, researchers, educators and learners. This is his report.