Product Description

When the first edition of Teaching with the Brain in Mind was published in 1998, it quickly became a bestseller, and it's gone on to inspire thousands of educators to apply the latest brain research in their classroom teaching. Now, author Eric Jensen is back with a completely revised and updated edition of his classic work.

In easy to understand, engaging language, Jensen provides a basic orientation to the brain and its various systems and explains how they affect learning. After discussing what parents and educators can do to get children's brains in good shape for school, Jensen goes on to explore topics such as motivation, critical thinking skills, environmental factors, the "social brain," emotions, and memory and recall. He offers fascinating insights on a number of specific issue, including
* How to tap into the brain's natural reward system.
* The critical link between movement and cognition.
* The impact on learning of environmental factors such as lighting, temperature, and noise.
* The value of feedback.
* The importance of prior knowledge and mental models.
* Why stress impedes learning.
* How social interaction affects the brain.
* How to help students improve their ability to encode, maintain, and retrieve learning.

The repeated message to educators is simple: You have far more influence on students' brains than you realize. And you have an obligation to learn as much as you can to take advantage of the incredible revelations that science is providing. The revised and updated Teaching with the Brain in Mind, 2nd edition helps you do just that.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #39613 in Books
• Published on: 2005-05-30
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 187 pages

Customer Reviews

Mixed review, but has some useful info
I had an interest in the brain and learning and bought a couple of books, including this one. It sat on my shelf until last week due to time required elsewhere--or so I told myself. The principal at my school engaged me in a conversation on the topic as she is currently reading the book. (It was nice to find someone who shares this interest, as most others get that "glazed" look when I bring the subject up.) Well, I was motivated to begin the book and went right home to read it. Now, I am a skeptic at heart and need to "see things for myself"; I do not buy into things hook, line, and sinker. I found the writing style of this author to be a little lacking and I have several spots where I jotted down notes in the margins when I really disagreed with some things. So, I certainly would not treat this book as the Bible on the brain related to learning. However, I did get many good ideas to try out in the classroom and I am truly looking forward to getting back to school to implement them. If just two or three of these ideas stand the test of time and serve to improve my teaching, the book will have been worth its price and the time invested in reading it. The author does recommend certain "atmosphere" guidelines so, I suppose, that is touchy-feely; however, most of these ideas make sense. A child will not perform to potential when he/she perceives threat, whether it be fear of risk-taking/being wrong, fear of losing the esteem of peers or being mocked, etc. Feeling threatened, to whatever degree, creates stress; stress does not promote optimal learning. I also found that this book affirmed some of my current practices such as getting children up and moving frequently. I will now be sure to do this even more often; it is easy to do and takes little time. Music will definitely be used more wisely in my classroom in addition to movement. I have begun reading How the Brain Learns by Sousa now and I ordered two more "brain" books. I am almost done with Sousa's book and I like it even more than this one. While few people (even colleagues) share this interest with me, those reading this review most likely do. With that in mind, I do recommend this book as it has lots of useful info and ideas but would recommend How the Brain Learns even more.

Response to "Teaching With The Brain In Mind"
This a wonderful book to read. Eric Jensen's writing helps keep me interested. I learned a lot of useful information that I can take with me when I return to the classroom. I just wished that I had heard about this years ago when I was an undergraduate. My sincere hope is that when it comes time for our standardized testing that my students will be more than ready to go.

Excellent
This a great book for teachers and parents. It really makes you think about how we all process information. It arrived in great condition.