Neurodevelopmental Differentiation: Optimizing Brain Systems to Maximize Learning

by Andrew Fuller, Lucy Fuller

Overview

As classroom teachers know firsthand, it is critical for K–12 students to be able to extend their learning. But expecting all students to attain the same performance via generalized instruction is unrealistic. Educators must honor and leverage students' unique learning strengths to support students and expand their possibilities for success.

In Neurodevelopmental Differentiation: Optimizing Brain Systems to Maximize Learning, authors Andrew Fuller and Lucy Fuller explain that by understanding the brain's eight information-processing systems-(1) spatial reasoning, (2) perceptual and motor skills, (3) concentration and memory, (4) planning and sequencing, (5) thinking and logic, (6) people smarts, (7) language and word smarts, and (8) number smarts-educators can help students apply their processing strengths to areas that challenge them using individualized learning plans. With this approach, learners' growth is limitless.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781923116696
Publisher:	Amba Press
Publication date:	03/30/2024
Pages:	234
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.49(d)

About the Author

Andrew Fuller is a clinical psychologist who specializes in neuroscience, learning, and resilience. He works with schools around the globe to help increase the wellbeing and success of young people. Andrew's early career began in psychiatric crisis teams, where he often worked with people who were contemplating suicide. This led him to discover his passion for working with people to help them create futuresthey can fall in love with. Andrew is the author of many books. He is a Fellow of the Department of Psychiatry and the Department of Learning and Educational Development at the University of Melbourne.

Lucy Fuller is a passionate educator who practices the Montessori framework. Her work integrates this framework with her ongoing development of every student's learning strengths and success.

Table of Contents

About the Authors vii

Foreword ix

Introduction 1

Chapter 1 Spatial Reasoning 21

Chapter 2 Perceptual and Motor Skills 39

Chapter 3 Concentration and Memory 63

Chapter 4 Planning and Sequencing 91

Chapter 5 Thinking and Logic 109

Chapter 6 People Smarts 127

Chapter 7 Language and Word Smarts 149

Chapter 8 Number Smarts 171

Chapter 9 Implementing Neurodevelopmental Differentiation 195

References and Resources 205

Index 217

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"Andrew Fuller and Lucy Fuller have taken a practical but fact-based approach to the emerging work on neurodiversity and its implications for teaching and learning. As they state, we all dream of schools where 'everyone gets smart,' and for me, that means the students as well as the teachers, staff, and leaders who also inhabit those walls. This book, therefore, is for all of us to study and assess students from a positive point of view while we are also determining our own learning biases in leading classrooms and entire schools toward lasting achievements. Instead of taking us down the road of traditional student learning deficit planning, the authors encourage us to capitalize on student learning strengths as a way to cross-fertilize into other learning areas that are not quite as strong. Both teachers and school leaders will appreciate the logical, approachable way the authors not only develop an understanding of each learning strength but also share specific suggestions on how to build on that strength to strengthen the others. This book will become a useful differentiation manual to honor and capitalize on the beauty of each individual in our service and care."

—Michael Murphy, educational coach and consultant

"Educators will want this strengths-based tool kit to help all students move from 'I think I get it' to 'I've got it!' every day. The neurodevelopmental differentiation strategies in this book provide the scaffolding for every student's high-achievement journey. In other words, learning gets easier, and the brain's processing centers get more efficient. For each brain system, or set of learning strengths, Andrew Fuller and Lucy Fuller give readers descriptions, characteristics, checklists, and how-tos for maximizing the brain's capability for learning; the means to 'cross-fertilize' among the other brain systems; and at-home strategies for parents. What a gold mine of a book—a teacher's dream to meet unique learning needs and increase motivation for every single student in the classroom!"

—LeAnn Nickelsen, author and educational consultant

"In this book, Andrew Fuller and Lucy Fuller merge neuroscience and best practices to inform teacher pedagogy. When teaching becomes more intentional and transparent, students develop agency for their own learning experience. They understand their own cognitive strengths and how to leverage those strengths to lead meaningful lives in and beyond the classroom."

—Kathleen Kryza, author and educational consultant

"As research about brain science continues to deepen our understanding of how we learn, educators continuously improve their strategies, approaches, and systems to ensure high levels of learning for all students. Those who are looking to involve teachers, students, and families in harnessing the power of the brain to maximize and personalize student learning need look no further! Neurodevelopmental Differentiation: Optimizing Brain Systems to Maximize Learning provides a clear road map toward deep personalized learning. Andrew Fuller and Lucy Fuller's strengths-based approach involves knowing our students' learning strengths, cultivating those strengths to build additional areas of success, implementing strategies to deliberately differentiate instruction, and empowering learners to reflect on their growth and celebrate their learning."

—Lacy M. Rivera, professional learning coach, Los Lunas, New Mexico