Many teachers are intrigued by the Socratic method but worry “it won’t work with my students.” A Socratic seminar calls on ALL the big executive skills. Patricia Cook and Susanne Croasdaile found that we don’t need to wait until they’re all “ready” – we can just dive in!
Using a model based on three decades of research into the operations of the human mind, Robert and Jana S. Marzano help teachers understand how and why they and their students react in specific situations. It’s well worth the challenging read, says Ashley Pursley.
In addition to clearly explaining research on the brain and mathematics education, math educator Anthony Jones says Stanford professor Jo Boaler ties all the research into practical, well-explained, innovative teaching strategies in “Mathematical Mindsets.”
Eric Jensen provides research plus easy-to-implement strategies around 4 key mindsets for learning – relational, achievement, classroom climate, and engagement – that can help poor students succeed. Consultant Anne Anderson calls it “must” summer reading.
Among the elements of Suzy Pepper Rollins’ Learning in the Fast Lane that reviewer Carolyn Miller liked best were her references to recent research, her fresh suggestions for making formative assessments, and her close look at student motivation. And there’s lots more to try out!
In Wiring the Brain for Reading: Brain-Based Strategies for Teaching Literacy author Marilee Sprenger covers familiar territory as she links recent research to teaching literacy, says reviewer Julie Dermody.
Using “‘brain breaks” in class has helped students stay fresh, says reviewer Linda Biondi. Using the strategies recommended in Energizing Brain Breaks gets students moving, laughing, & challenging themselves.
Students don’t like school because we don’t create the right cognitive conditions for learning. Bill Ivey reviews Dan Willingham’s book, Why Don’t Students Like School? A Cognitive Scientist Answers Questions About How the Mind Works and What It Means for the Classroom.
Judy Willis, a neurologist & middle grades teacher, says we can help adolescents build happy, learning brains through interactive, interdependent group work.
