Product reviews for Neuroscience for Teachers

-‹"My reading viewpoint

I have been interested in neuroscience and its application to the classroom ever since I heard Clare Sealy discuss it at a conference. Following this, I read a number of her blogs and Craig Barton's book, both of which discuss areas including long term memory, cognitive load and strategies to help learning stick. I became somewhat fascinated by the brain and our ability to learn and remember and when I saw this book I jumped at the chance to learn more. My reading viewpoint is one of curiosity and I am keen to consider how I might apply this knowledge to the work I do with schools.

Summary

While the title and subject matter of the book was certainly a little daunting, I need not have worried. The authors take the time to explain key terminology in a number of ways including through diagrams and a glossary, with key words highlighted in bold throughout the text. The text is accessible and clear and I genuinely feel I understand even the more complex aspects covered in the book.

The layout is particularly brilliant. Each chapter begins with learning outcomes, summarising what the reader should understand by the end of the chapter; this is supported by -˜next steps' at the end and regular reflection points encouraging the reader to relate the science to the classroom. There is also a range of visual elements to break the text up - I particularly liked small grey boxes containing key quotes from the paragraph or section.

The book does exactly what I expected - provides a range of evidence and research based neuroscience and explores application in the classroom. The content is wide-ranging, from maths anxiety to the working memory, metacognition to the role of emotions. It is a fascinating insight into how students learn and remember and how teachers might use this information to enhance the learning in their classroom.

My key takeaways

1. Some elements of learning are genetic, but environment plays a huge role in development. As someone who regularly battles -˜fixed mindset' internal views, it was interesting to read about what is considered hereditary and what is not. The authors point out that there is a huge amount of evidence to suggest the brain has an ability to -˜change and develop in response to its environment' and that intelligence is all about the connections made in our brains between concepts, but also that some aspects such as -˜intelligence in the general sense', -˜language acquisition' and -˜reading ability' are hereditary to -˜a greater or lesser extent'.

2. Repeating knowledge is really important but delivery needs to be thought about. At several points, the text recognises that in order for concepts to be secure in long term memory and for these to be more easily recalled, rehearsal and repetition is needed. This repetition needs careful thought and research suggests that varying the way in which information is used and presented is more beneficial than simply revising it. This may seem obvious, I suppose, but for me it will make me really think about different ways of presenting key concepts such as number bonds and multiplication tables.

3. Working memory is fragile and teachers need to be aware of this. Working memory is limited and easily overloaded, meaning learning and transmission to long term memory is at risk. The book discusses lots of ways in which teachers can ensure working memory is not overloaded, including careful consideration of pace and step by step instruction.

4. Metacognition (thinking about thinking) is a skill worth developing. Research suggests that these skills -˜do not tend to develop naturally' and a whole chapter is dedicated to discussion of and strategies for developing this in the classroom. Again, the text cites the importance of making connections between learning.

I think you should read this book if-¦

- You are interested in neuroscience and how the brain works and want to read something accessible and linked to your profession
- You are a teacher constantly asking -˜why can't they remember this?'!"

Click here to read the review on Lisa's blog.