George Lucas Educational Foundation
Edutopia

Brain-Based Learning

Explore the mysteries of the human brain! Find out how discoveries in neuroscience provide insights into how students learn -- and how to engage them in the classroom.

  • Maintaining Students’ Motivation for Learning as the Year Goes On

    Neuroscience can suggest ways to keep students working toward their learning goals after their initial excitement wears off.
    Judy Willis

  • Debunking the IQ-Dyslexia Myth

    Children with dyslexia who struggle to read often conclude they're not smart enough to master the materials—but the research says that's wrong.

  • Dragons and Fairy Tales in Science Class

    Using stories as a hook to grab students’ attention leads them to deep engagement with scientific concepts.
    Amy Schwartzbach-Kang, Edward Kang

  • The Powerful Effects of Drawing on Learning

    The science is clear: Drawing beats out reading and writing to help students remember concepts.

  • Unraveling the Myths Around Reading and Dyslexia

    Teachers are seeking new training to understand the brain science around dyslexia, the most commonly reported disability among children.
    Holly Korbey

  • What’s Executive Function—and Why Does It Matter?

    The skills that make up executive function are better predictors of success than test scores, IQ, or socioeconomic status.

  • Decoding the Teenage Brain (in 3 Charts)

    New technologies are shedding light on what really makes adolescents tick—and providing clues on how we might reach them better.
    Stephen Merrill

  • Starting the Day With a Calming Routine

    Exercises that help young students who’ve experienced trauma transition into the school day in a relaxed and ready state.
    Lori Desautels

  • The Science of Drawing and Memory

    Want students to remember something? Ask them to draw it.
    Youki Terada

  • Simple Ways to Integrate Four Evidence-Based Teaching Strategies

    Jennifer Gonzalez talks with a researcher and a teacher to tackle the science—and the logistics—behind teaching strategies like spaced practice and interleaving.
    Laura Lee

  • Developing Executive Function With Priority Lists

    Explicitly modeling the process of prioritizing tasks builds students’ ability to organize and manage their time.

  • Why Boredom Often Beats Screen Time

    Teaching the nuances of when and how to use technology—and leaving room for boredom—can be invaluable, says journalist Manoush Zomorodi.
    Laura Lee

  • Helping Students Develop Executive Function Skills

    Simple classroom strategies can assist students with deficits in executive function skills like time management and active listening.
    Gina DiTullio

  • Activities That Prime the Brain for Learning

    Brain breaks and focused attention practices help students feel relaxed and alert and ready to learn.
    Lori Desautels

  • Why Students Forget—and What You Can Do About It

    Our brains are wired to forget, but there are research-backed strategies you can use to make your teaching stick.
    Youki Terada