How the Brain Learns

by David A. Sousa

Overview

Apply the newest brain research to enhance all students’ learning

Educational neuroscience consultant David A. Sousa continues his tradition of translating new findings into effective classroom strategies and activities in this updated version of his bestselling text. This fifth edition integrates recent developments in neuroscience, education, and psychology and includes

• New information on memory systems, especially working memory capacity
• Updated research on how the explosion of technology is affecting the brain
• Current findings on brain organization and hemispheric specialization
• New evidence on how learning the arts enhances cognitive processing and creativity
• An expanded resources section
• More than 150 new or updated references

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781506346304
Publisher:	SAGE Publications
Publication date:	12/02/2016
Edition description:	Fifth Edition
Pages:	400
Product dimensions:	8.40(w) x 10.90(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

David A. Sousa, Ed D, is an international consultant in educational neuroscience and author of more than a dozen books that translate brain research into strategies for improving learning. He has presented to more than 200,000 educators across the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Asia. He has taught high school chemistry and served in administrative positions, including superintendent of schools. He was an adjunct professor of education at Seton Hall University and a visiting lecturer at Rutgers University. Dr. Sousa has edited science books and published dozens of articles in leading journals. His books have been published in French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, Arabic, Korean, and several other languages. He is past president of the National Staff Development Council (now Learning Forward) and has received honorary degrees and awards for his commitment to research, professional development, and science education. He has appeared on NBC’s Today Show and National Public Radio to discuss his work with schools using brain research.

Table of Contents

List of Practitioner’s Corners
Preface to the Fifth Edition
Publisher’s Acknowledgments
About the Author
Introduction
Looking Inside the Brain
Implications for Teaching
Why This Book Can Help Improve Teaching and Learning
What’s Coming Up?
Chapter 1: Basic Brain Facts
Some Exterior Parts of the Brain
Some Interior Parts of the Brain
Neuron Development in Children
The Brain as a Novelty Seeker
What’s Coming Up?
Chapter 2: How the Brain Processes Information
The Information Processing Model
What’s Coming Up?
Chapter 3: Memory, Retention, and Learning
How Memory Forms
Stages and Types of Memory
Learning and Retention
Factors Affecting Retention of Learning
Learning Motor Skills
Daily Biological Rhythms Affect Teaching and Learning
Intelligence and Retrieval
What’s Coming Up?
Chapter 4: The Power of Transfer
What Is Transfer?
Teaching for Transfer
Additional Thoughts About Transfer
What’s Coming Up?
Chapter 5: Brain Organization and Learning
Brain Lateralization
Spoken Language Specialization
Learning to Read
Learning Mathematics
Difficulties in Learning Mathematics
Mathematics for English Language Learners
What’s Coming Up?
Chapter 6: The Brain and the Arts
The Arts Are Basic to the Human Experience
Why Teach the Arts?
Impact of the Arts on Student Learning and Behavior
Music
The Visual Arts
Movement
What’s Coming Up?
Chapter 7: Thinking Skills and Learning
Characteristics of Human Thinking
The Dimensions of Human Thinking
Revisiting Bloom’s Taxonomy of the Cognitive Domain
Other Thinking Skills Programs
What’s Coming Up?
Chapter 8: Putting It All Together
Students Should Know How Their Brains Learn
What About the Flipped Classroom?
Daily Planning
Unit Planning
Maintaining Skills for the Future
Conclusion
Resources
Glossary
References
Index

Editorial Reviews

How the Brain Learns is both professional and accessible. Of all the texts I have used for courses over the years, this one gets the best reviews from students. They love the diagrams and charts that make the concepts concrete and easier to grasp, they love the pithy quotes summarizing major points along the way. (Many of those quotes have found their way into student final papers and projects in my courses – all appropriately cited too!) I personally love the way the “What Do You Know” quiz at the beginning is carried all the way through with answers revealed and explicitly pointed out as they come up in context. It makes the book more cohesive and adds to the flow of conversation and reflection. My students are always blown away with the information and section on the neuro myths. Many have been taught these myths in their other teacher courses and many lively conversations are triggered by this section. Another strength of the book is the overall progression of topics and natural flow or rhythm to the material, which adds to the comprehension and accessibility. The discussion of action research is especially appreciated as I try to include mini research projects in my courses, and it’s great to have the rational and description in the same book as the information about the brain. The Practitioner’s Corner, Classroom Connections and thought provoking-questions make the book personal and meaningful for each of my students. “

Kris Dreifuerst

This book’s greatest strength is definitely its user friendliness. It reads easily and has good illustrations and examples of concepts. Just about every part of the book contains useful information. The Practioner’s Corners provide application opportunities. My students love it! "

Kathleen Kremer

“Dr. Sousa does a wonderful job of interpreting the research and using what is known about how the brain learns to provide teachers with effective strategies for the classroom.”

Kathy Tritz-Rhodes

"When it comes to brain research, David Sousa is first among peers. His straightforward explanation of the intricacies of the brain, based on solid research, turns theory into practice and allows educators to immediately operationalize concepts into classroom practice. "

Jim Grant

"How the Brain Learns is an excellent text for educators who are looking to take the next step beyond the confines of the traditional model of direct instruction and who wish to ground their professional development in research about the brain. The chapter on 'The Brain and the Arts' in particular is superb. "

Geoffrey Caine

“I have found this book to be quite useful for doctoral-level students who are just beginning to read, examine, and comprehend brain research. It is a wonderful first step to exploring the fascinating world of brain-compatible teaching and learning!”

Marjorie Hall Haley

"A wonderful and thorough compendium of how our brain learns. Packed with both scientific and practical information. "

Eric Jensen

"David Sousa will open your mind to the latest brain research that can be applied to classroom practice. This book belongs in the hands of every teacher for practical applications of cutting-edge findings that help us understand how the brain learns best. Sousa is a pioneer in the field of brain-compatible learning, and his ability to synthesize the research is even better in this latest edition of How the Brain Learns. "

Marilee Sprenger