14. Resources for Brain-friendly Teaching
©2006 Ron Fitzgerald, D.Ed.
Introduction
This is a partial list of some of the best resources available for teachers and parents interested in brain-friendly teaching and learning.
Catalogs and/or Web Sites
Two ways to keep current are to subscribe to free annual catalogs and to bookmark relevant web sites that constantly make new materials on brain-compatible teaching and accelerated learning available. Here are some (again, not all) of the useful resources:
- JENSEN LEARNING CORPORATION has a website at www.jensenlearning.com and offers information from Eric Jensen, an international lader in brain-friendly teaching and learning. The information includes free articles, available workshops, schedule for annual brain expositions and descriptions of some products. Eric originally operated THE BRAIN STORE which has closed as he concentrates on workshops, writing, and the annual Brain Expos held in different locations.
- THE KAGAN CATALOG is available from www.KaganOnline.com or by telephoning (800) 933-2667. The Kagan Publishing & Professional Development catalog is especially strong on materials for cooperative learning, using multiple intelligences, structures or task suggestions, and an outstanding series of SMART CARDS.
- THE TRAINER’S WAREHOUSE CATALOG is available from www.trainerswarehouse.com or by telephoning (800) 299-3770. This Natick , Massachusetts , firm is a superior source of teaching and training aids from gadgets to games, from magic to PowerPoint aids, and from books of activities to software and recognition certificates.
- THE ZEPHYR CATALOG is available from www.zephyrpress.com or by telephoning (800) 232-2187. The catalog includes many books on brain compatible learning and other teaching topics.
Books
The annual catalogs listed above are the best way to keep current with books in the field of brain-friendly learning. Here just a few classics are listed for a basic library:
- Title: The Accelerated Learning Handbook
Author(s): Dave Meier
Published in: 2000 - Pages: 274 (hardcover)
Published by: McGraw-Hill; New York , NY
Comments: Dave Meier is one of the most respected and successful accelerated learning trainers in the nation. Dozens of the top corporations in the nation have used Dave to greatly increase the effectiveness of their employee learning programs. His techniques are equally effective in school and college classrooms. This book provides a full system for planning accelerated learning and applying basic brain principles such as the SAVI modes - -
Somatic, learning by moving and doing;
Auditory, learning by talking and hearing;
Visual, learning by observing and picturing;
Intellectual, learning by observing and picturing or by solving and reflecting.
This book can help you to become a good planner of superior learning units.
- Title: Brain-Based Learning
Author: Eric Jensen
Published in: 2000 - Pages: 402 (softcover)
Published by: The Brain Store, Inc; San Diego , CA
Comments: This is one of the BEST books for classroom teachers. It relates research to what to do in the classroom. It is kept current. It is a practical and classical balance of research and application. Every teacher should have access to this book and many others from Eric, all available from Amazon.com. Also consider these excellent books from Eric Jensen - - Tools for Engagement (2003), Different Brains, Different Learners (2000), and Top Tunes for Teaching (2005).
- Title: Discover Your Child's Learning Style
Author(s): Mariaemma Willis & Victoria Kindle Hodson
Published in: 1999 - Pages: 325 (paperback)
Published by: Prima Publishing; Roseville , CA
Comments: A BEST BUY for both parents and teachers who want a thorough and practical review of how to identify and work with the different learning styles of different students.
- Title: The Learning Revolution
Author(s): Gordon Dryden and Dr. Jeannette Vos
Published in: 1999 - (revised) Pages: 543 (hardcover)
Published by: The Learning Web; Torrance , CA
Comments: One of the best books for school board members and administrators to read to gain a global perspective on what is truly a revolution in learning. Consider visiting this web site www.thelearningweb.net to order at reduced cost and perhaps with a PowerPoint CD-Rom and/or video presentation.
- Title: Multiple Intelligence in the Classroom
Author(s): Thomas Armstrong
Published in: 2000 - Pages: 154 (softcover)
Published by: ASCD; Alexandria , VA
Comments: This book provides solid coverage of the eight multiple intelligences for K-12 teachers. It provides descriptions of using the MI model in curriculum development, and special education. It adds a short section on a possible ninth intelligence (existential). It provides a practical review of computer software that activates multiple intelligences. The book even begins with an important summary of the logic and evidence behind the model since some skeptics (often faculty members from a university or college other than Harvard where Howard Gardner has done his work!) make a habit of criticizing what has become a very useful model, one that encourages the growth of various talents rather than the stifling narrowness of the obsolete concept of relatively fixed intelligence.
- Title: Preventing Death by Lecture
Author: Sharon Bowman
Published in: 2001. Pages: 96 (softcover)
Published by: Bowperson Publishing Company; Glenbrook , Nevada
Comments: This is one of several excellent “how-to” books for teachers and trainers by Sharon . (Other titles include “How To Give It So They Get It” and “Presenting with Pizzazz!”) Like the other books, this one is filled with practical activities that make learning interactive, fun, and effective. You can log on to www.Bowperson.com for more information.
- Title: Right-Brained Children in a Left-Brained World
Author(s): Jeffrey Freed and Laurie Parsons
Published in: 1997 - Pages: 256 (hard or soft cover)
Published by: Simon & Schuster; New York , NY
Comments: A book that EVERY TEACHER and many parents should read. While partially addressed to serving students with ADD, the book goes far beyond that to equip parents and teachers to help the large number of capable learners who are not best served by traditional teaching methods. This is a book that can help everyone understand brains that have been 'wired' differently by our multi-media environment. Too often, students who learn differently become the victims of labels rather than the beneficiaries of teaching techniques adjusted to the way they learn best.
- Title: Smart Teaching: Using Brain Research and Data to Continuously Improve Learning
Author: Ronald Fitzgerald
Published in: 2005 – Pages 132 (softcover, 8-1/2” x 11”)
Published by: ASQ Quality Press; Milwaukee , WI
Comments: This book was written by the author of this website to build a bridge between brain-friendly teaching and quality management (TQM) in the classroom. It presents unique sets of pages; graphics on the left and explanatory text on the right. An accompanying CD-ROM provides color slides and handouts. The book presents a tested 8-component system for using brain research in the classroom. It is intended for self-study by teachers, use in teacher training classes, and support of in-service training in school districts.
Click to view purchasing details:
If you are an ASQ member or wish to look at some sample pages, click here.
If you are not an ASQ member and still want to purchase at a discount, click here.
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