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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.

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Strategies for Strengthening the Brain’s Executive Functions

Introduce students to the concept of executive functions, put it to work, referring frequently to these learning tools in positive, productive classroom interactions.

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Energy and Calm: Brain Breaks and Focused-Attention Practices

Here are some activities to stimulate your students' minds when they need a change, and to focus and calm them when they're just too stimulated.

Metacognition: The Gift That Keeps Giving

By teaching students to "drive their own brain" through metacognition, we provide a concrete way to guide them think about how they can best learn.

The Neuroscience Behind Stress and Learning

Neuroimaging and EEG studies provide a scientific basis for the sometimes controversial belief that children become better learners when they actually enjoy learning.

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Resources on Learning and the Brain

Browse a list of articles, videos, and other links for exploring the connection between education and neuroscience.

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Making Critical Thinking Explicit and Intentional

Last comment 3 days 12 hours ago
2 1 521 views

The Heart-Brain Connection: The Neuroscience of Social, Emotional, and Academic Learning

Last comment 2 weeks 3 days ago
19 1,562 53,120 views

Brains in Pain Cannot Learn!

Last comment 5 days 10 hours ago
20 480 52,155 views
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The Tyranny of Being On Task

Wed, 01/11/2017 - 09:00
2 2,222 8,559 views

Executive Skills and the Struggling Reader

Fri, 01/13/2017 - 06:00
2 1,154 5,958 views

Making Critical Thinking Explicit and Intentional

Thu, 12/29/2016 - 06:30
2 1 521 views
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Brain-Based Learning Videos See More Videos
Big Thinkers: Judy Willis on the Science of Learning

Big Thinkers: Judy Willis on the Science of Learning

Music and Dance Drive Academic Achievement

Music and Dance Drive Academic Achievement

The Heart-Brain Connection: The Neuroscience of Social, Emotional, and Academic Learning

The Heart-Brain Connection: The Neuroscience of Social, Emotional, and Academic Learning

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Expert Roger Weissberg on Academics and Character Education

EQ Meets IQ: An Interview with Roger Weissberg

Building a Better School With Brain-Based Learning

Building a Better School with Brain-Based Learning

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Resources

Brain

Brain-Based Learning Pinterest Board

Visit a curated collection of resources exploring takeways from neuroscience for educators on Edutopia's pinboard on Pinterest: blog posts, visuals, articles, videos, and more.

2 7 views
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Study: Curiosity Enhances Learning by Improving Memory

Ever wonder how curiosity enhances learning? A study published in Neuron found that curiosity not only increases motivation to learn, but also improves memory.

1 views
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Study: The Benefits of a Mental Break

Neuroscience research shows the many benefits of a mental break.

7 1,690 views
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Study: The Neuroscience Behind Exercise and Math Ability

Neuroscience research sheds light on how exercise can boost math ability.

2 1 1,449 views

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A stylized illustration showing students’ minds as they talk to each other
Article

Helping Struggling Students Build a Growth Mindset

Veteran researchers present five strategies—like maintaining success files and allowing choice—to help struggling students develop a positive attitude needed for success.
photograph of elementary school students reading from books
Article

Executive Skills and the Struggling Reader

Learn how executive skills—like working memory and cognitive flexibility—play an essential role in reading.

2 1,154 5,958 views
A stylized illustration of a child’s mind
Article

The Tyranny of Being On Task

Students need periodic breaks to ease brain strain, and the perceived demand that they should always be on task is unrealistic.

2 2,222 8,559 views
Illustration of a wire attached to a switch and twisted to look like a brain
Article

Using Brain Breaks to Restore Students’ Focus

Learn about the science and classroom applicability of these quick learning activities.

3,630 18,351 views
A woman and a young child play together.
Article

Simple Ways to Help Young Kids Develop Self-Control

Here’s how you can help kids—your students and your own children—build skills that are critical for regulating their emotions and behavior.

658 4,829 views
An anxious young woman stares at her classwork.
Article

Breaking a Vicious Cycle That Undermines Student Success

Anxiety and problems with attention and memory can often cause a downward spiral in students’ productivity. Here is a four-point plan to get them back on track.

1 2,096 19,075 views
Girl lying on back with hands over face
Article

5 Ways to Help Students in Trauma

Teachers can create a calm classroom atmosphere that helps troubled students be more receptive to learning.

5,413 24,629 views

Pages

illustration of a profile with icons in the head
Article

Energy and Calm: Brain Breaks and Focused-Attention Practices

Here are some activities to stimulate your students' minds when they need a change, and to focus and calm them when they're just too stimulated.

46 3,927 278,400 views
Article

11 Tips on Teaching Common Core Critical Vocabulary

Learning and memory specialist Marilee Sprenger writes about vocabulary critical to the Common Core and offers 11 strategies for helping students learn it.

25 96 204,272 views
Article

Don’t Listen to Music While Studying

Guest blogger David Cutler, a history, government and journalism teacher, asks us to face the music about whether or not listening our favorite tunes while studying actually helps our concentration.

26 1,276 186,163 views
Article

Addressing Our Needs: Maslow Comes to Life for Educators and Students

Guest blogger Lori Desautels translates Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs into a blueprint for classroom practice that can set the stage with comfort, care and self-reflection to optimize brain-compatible learning.

13 1,821 160,569 views
Teacher wearing a shirt that says "Stir The Soul" standing in front of class reading to captivated students
Article

Strategies to Build Intrinsic Motivation

Encouraging student commitment ultimately brings better results than the external motivations of reward or punishment. These seven self-persuasion strategies will get you started.

42 1,936 138,113 views
Article

Metacognition: The Gift That Keeps Giving

By teaching students to "drive their own brain" through metacognition, we provide a concrete way to guide them think about how they can best learn.

76 3,050 132,801 views
Article

Three Brain-Based Teaching Strategies to Build Executive Function in Students

Neurologist and educator Judy Willis offers three practical strategies to build and nurture students' executive function -- critical thinking, creativity, and complex decision-making. (Updated 01/2014)

16 1,464 122,419 views

Pages

Six Tips for Brain-Based Learning

In this guide, you’ll get practical tips across the K-12 spectrum, as well as a reading list and a variety of resources to help you learn more about this fascinating field.

2 1,877 122,660 views