Neuroscience for Learning and Development: How to Apply Neuroscience and Psychology for Improved Learning and Training

by Stella Collins

Neuroscience for Learning and Development provides L&D professionals the tools and ideas to design and deliver effective initiatives with knowledge of how our brains process information.

Using the latest research and concepts, this book covers areas such as motivation, habits and the link between sleep and learning. It demonstrates how to create effective learning environments and make learning 'stickier' with advancements in AI and digital learning, and through the use of stories. The practical tools and guidance can be applied in different contexts, such as digital learning, in-person training sessions and presentations.

The third edition contains a new chapter on creating an autonomous learning culture. It explains the strategies, tools and techniques L&D professionals can use to encourage and support employees to learn in the flow of work. With insights from L&D practitioners who have applied these approaches in organizations such as The Open University, this edition is an indispensable book for creating and maintaining workplace learning that benefits people and organizations.

328 pages, Paperback

Published June 27, 2023

Reviews

[AnnieM · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who works in the area of training and development, this book is extremely relevant and timely. First of all, the authors ground their research in the area of neuroscience to help us understand that learning is not development, not memory and not information or content (which we often in my profession assume it is one or all of these). Instead learning creates structural changes in our brain at the cellular level. Because of this, the book effectively outlines ways to design and deliver training and education to maximize its impact. I really like how the book is structured – each chapter starts with context (story) and an overview followed by a mind-map figure that is a great framing device for what will follow in the chapter. At the end of each chapter is a concise bullet-pointed summary with follow up readings and resources. In learning and development, there have been many models over the years that try to address transfer of learning so I found the GEAR model a refreshing way to look at this – “Guide, Experiment, Apply, Retain” -- guiding using scaffolding and bit-sized chunks, and applying to allow participants to practice what they learned back at work and then retain by spacing out the learning and repetition. One of my favorite chapters is at the end, where the authors suggest a way for us to retain what we just learned as we read the book – I found that to be incredibly useful and it drove the point home about how to help with retention of learning. The other great aspect of this book is it effectively writes about how to use different methods and techniques in classroom training (in person) and virtually. Since more of our training is now delivered via Zoom and Teams. This is a great resource for education and training professionals.

Thank you to Netgalley and Kogan Page LTD. for an ARC and I left this review voluntarily.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

The appliance of (neuro)science

Whether you’re a teacher, a student or just someone who enjoys learning new things understanding how we can make the most of our brains and learn effectively makes total sense. Neuroscience is a current buzzword and Stella takes through what it is, why it matters, how memory works and how we can learn how to learn to maximise retention and understanding and how we can use all of this to help others and ourselves.

She provides examples of how to make information stick from how it’s presented to the importance of sleep in assimilating and understanding. A new chapter in this third edition looks at digital learning and how we can use and improve it to actually help people learn rather than just being a tick box exercise. I gave the book four stars rather than five as I would like to have seen more examples of how the techniques could be blended and applied as I worked through the book.

While aimed at trainers this book will also be of interest and use to teachers, students, parents and learners in general. I’m a great believer in life-long learning and this book provides a lot of food for thought and I will be dipping back into it on a regular basis.

I was given this book from the author via netgalley only for the pleasure of reading and leaving an honest review should I choose to.