Research shows that desirable difficulties as achieved with spaced repetition, interleaving, and retrieval (SIR) have positive long-term impacts on student learning, because the learning sticks. This book guides you through these three techniques for a more brain-compatible classroom geared toward student success. Combing through research for…

This is the second edition of the seminal text designed to empower educators with an innovative and inspiring conceptual framework for effective teaching. This bestseller is grounded in the synergy of five big ideas for connecting mind, brain, and education research to classroom practice: neuroplasticity, potential, malleable intelligence, the…

This article proposes a theoretical foundation and practical strategies for incorporating pedagogical songs and corresponding gestures into the language classroom. Music and movement are connected to verbal memory, which is a key component of language learning. Music and language are processed in the same areas of the brain, and recent empirical…

Cognition is a general term describing the mental capacities of an animal, and often includes the ability to categorize, remember, and communicate about objects in the environment. Numerous regions of the telencephalon (cerebral cortex and limbic system) are responsible for these cognitive functions. Although many researchers have used traditional…

Describes an assignment that begins with a short questionnaire to determine students' dominant mode of thinking. Discusses differences between left- and right-mode thinking patterns and how communication is affected by domination of either mode. (SR)

Describes a process to help journalism students in feature writing break left-brain dependence and make right- and left-brain connections to enliven their writing. Adapts William Gordon's six "synectics modeling" steps: topic description, direct analogies, personal analogies, compressed conflict, new direct analogies, and topic rewrite. (SR)

Teachers and students are continuously searching for fun and easy ways to help students organize and enhance their thoughts. This document uses interactive comics to describe the process of mind mapping to aid learners in developing new and creative ideas. The document also includes a brief overview of the functions of the brain's right and left…

Encourages visual notetaking to help students improve learning. Emphasizes that when students use verbal and visual cues, the entire brain is called to action. Specific examples of notetaking such as "T-line,""Stickperson," and "Star models" are illustrated. (BR)

Describes instructional strategies and activities to help students learn about brain structure, development, and function. Lists five resources. (eight references) (JRH)

Right brain and left brain dominant people process information differently and need different techniques to learn how to become more creative. Various exercises can help students take advantage of both sides of their brains. Students must feel comfortable and unthreatened to reach maximal creativity, and a positive personal relationship with…

The 4MAT system (an eight-step cycle of instruction that combines four learning style types and students' preferences for right-brain or left-brain modes of learning) can guide instructors in planning teaching strategies to meet students' diverse learning needs. Each of the eight steps of the system emphasizes one of the learning types and…

Mind mapping, which challenges the right side of the brain, is recommended as a technique for designing classroom work and stimulating more effective and efficient comprehension. (MSE)

Provides relevant background information about the hemispheric nature of the brain. Presents a framework for resulting practical implications for elementary school language arts. Notes that both prospective and practicing elementary school teachers should find this linkage of theory and practice beneficial as they help children gain language arts…

Through the years teachers have developed a systematic approach to teaching logic, order, and structure. This approach has put to use the capabilities of only the left side of the brain, neglecting the right-brain activities of visual literacy and visual clustering. To help students organize information efficiently, teachers should provide…

Addresses the need for a good science program to teach students to integrate both the analytical and the creative pathways of inquiry. Also compares the specific functions of the brain's right (creative) and left (analytical) hemispheres as related to science. Suggests how to design a creative sense-gathering activity, and offers several sample…