Research-Based Strategies to Ignite Student Learning: Insights from Neuroscience and the Classroom

by Judy Willis, Malana Willis

Thanks to unprecedented advances in brain science, we know more about the brain today than ever before. But what does that science tell us about how we learn? How can we capture the power of neuroscience research so that it benefits our students?

Judy Willis and Malana Willis answer these questions with clarity and insight, translating recent research on the brain and learning into understandable concepts and practical strategies to use across the curriculum, spanning all grade levels from preK through postsecondary.

In this revised and expanded edition of the bestselling Research-Based Strategies to Ignite Student Learning, readers will learn how to* Arouse students' curiosity and interest in pursuing wide-ranging topics, including those they might typically find boring.* Counteract the negative effects of stress, boredom, and frustration on memory.* Defuse undesirable behaviors that are the result of the brain's natural "fight/flight/freeze" response.* Incorporate the motivating characteristics of video gaming—including clear goals, achievable challenges, predictions, and continual feedback—into classroom learning.* Break through stereotypes that deter students from reaching their full potential.* Use the power of neuroscience research to develop students' executive function skills, such as focus, prioritization, organization, collaboration, critical analysis, and innovation.

Willis and Willis describe how the brain converts a vast amount of sensory input into long-term memory and durable understanding, and how educators can use this knowledge to guide students to more successful experiences in school and beyond.

Genres: Neuroscience

261 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 12, 2020

Reviews

[Mackenzie Peters · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can’t recommend this book enough for all educators - or anyone who interacts with children. Willis seeks to close the gap between theory and the classroom when it comes to neuroscience and writes in a way that makes it possible. Accessible, interesting, and just an overall fantastic read.

[Kate Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was tough in many ways. On one hand there are sections I flagged, highlighted and made note of with strategies I plan on implementing in my classroom tomorrow. On the other hand there are whole chapters I skimmed because they didn’t feel relevant to my age level or content or because the ideas were far fetched (I don’t have money for pencils, so you think I’m getting money to freeze dry oranges and drop them as a conversation starter?)

I would recommend it to some colleagues but more a few pages at a time when their are lists of strategies. I wouldn’t recommend it as a book to read straight thru.