Selected Resources for Brain-Compatible Teaching

Selected Resources for
Brain-Compatible Teaching
and later updates
©Ronald Fitzgerald, D.Ed

Books & Other Resources
Most of the books listed can be ordered from internet book suppliers or from the catalogs listed above. However direct suppliers are listed for each item

Title: The Accelerated Learning Fieldbook
Author(s): Lou Russell
Published in: 1999 - Pages: 322 (softcover)
Published by: Jossey-Bass/Pfeiffer; San Francisco, CA
Comments: This is an extensive resource book that includes material usually found only in separate books. For example it includes Ned Herrmann's excellent brain quadrant model used by many business trainers but not familiar to many educators. It also comes with a music CD that can be used to establish a learning climate. This is a good self-help book for teachers, professors, business presenters and others ready to improve the learning climates for which they are responsible.
Title: Accelerated Learning for the 21st Century
Author(s): Colin Rose and Malcom J. Nicholl
Published in: 1997 - Pages: 403 (paperback)
Published by: Dell Publishing; New York, NY
Comments: A very comprehensive review of the field of “accelerating” learning. Provides a six-step plan to improve the use of your brain power. A thorough and practical reference for teachers.
Title: Differentiation Through Learning Styles and Memory
Author(s): Marilee Sprenger
Published in: 2003 - Pages: 163 (softcover)
Published by: Corwin Press, Inc.; Thousand Oaks, CA
Comments: This book covers environments for learning, different learning styles, and a major emphasis on different pathways to memory for different students. Conversations with a new teacher, Bloom’s taxonomy, and specific examples for different students are used to provide practical examples of activities and teaching strategies. A simple 10-question learning style test is included. The book is an excellent resource for a teacher interested in helping different students discover how they learn best.
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(s): Eric Jensen
Published in: 2000 - Pages: 350 (softcover)
Published by: Turning Point Publishing; Del Mar, CA (or the Brain Store)
Comments: This is the BEST book 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 the Brain Store catalog listed earlier.
Title: BrainStyles
Author(s): Marlane Miller
Published in: 1997 - Pages: 384 (hardcover)
Published by: Simon & Schuster; New York, NY
Comments: This book looks at four different styles of living and working. It helps you to analyze your style and use it effectively at home and at work. It is an excellent resource for adult students to help themselves to be more brain-style conscious and effective in relationships.
Title: Different Brains, Different Learners
Author(s): Eric Jensen
Published in: 2000 - Pages: 176 (softcover)
Published by: The Brain Store; San Diego, CA
Comments: This is the BEST book available on helping hard to reach learners. It provides symptoms, medical information, and most importantly practical ways to help students with learning problems. Areas covered include - - ADD, dyslexia, hyperactivity, learned helplessness, oppositional disorder, learning delayed, conduct disorder, stress disorder, and depression. A related video and seminars are also available.
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: Future Force
Author(s): Elaine McClanchan & Carolyn Wicks
Published in: 1993 - Pages: 158 (softcover)
Published by: Griffin Publishing, but now order from the American Society for Quality. The web site is www.asq.org; click on publications and go to the education category. The telephone number is (800) 248-1946.
Comments: This is not directly a book on brain-based teaching or accelerated learning. However it is a book about ways that are both fun and exciting to teach total quality management in K-12 classrooms. Those ways involve cooperative learning, visual organizers, etc.; great examples of the use of brain-compatible teaching techniques. So the book is listed here as an example of good (i.e., brain-compatible) teaching of a topic that is related to brain principles in another way - - Using new brain-compatible techniques leads to quality improvement in learning. Quality improvement is a basic tool of competition in the new global economy. Our education systems must use improved brain-compatible techniques if America is going to remain competitive.
Title: Graphic Organizers
Author(s): Karen Bromley, Linda Irwin-DeVitis, and Marcia Modlo
Published in: 1995 - Pages: 120 (softcover)
Published by: Scholastic, Inc.; New York, NY
Comments: This book was written with a focus on grades K-8. It is included here to represent several books on using graphic or visual organizers to help students remember, think, and analyze more effectively. More and more research is identifying the importance of visual organizers to facilitate learning. Be sure that you consider this book and/or others on the topic in new catalogs.
Title: Healing ADD
Author(s): Daniel G. Amen, MD
Published in: 2001 - Pages: 421 (hardcover)
Published by: G.P. Putnam’s Sons; New York, NY
Comments: If you work with learners with ADD, this is a book you must read. Dr. Amen is a physician with expertise in SPECT brain imaging. He identifies six different types of ADD. He provides information on practical ways to deal with ADD. Physicians and educators can both benefit from this scholarly and thorough resource.
Title: How the Special Needs Brain Learns
Author(s): David A. Sousa
Published in: 2001 - Pages: 237 (softcover)
Published by: Corwin Press, Inc.; Thousand Oaks, CA
Comments: Teachers serving students with special needs should read and use this book. Like his earlier and excellent book HOW THE BRAIN LEARNS, this work emphasizes practical application of brain principles. By emphasizing classroom activities and strategies, David provides a superior resource. Also see his video in item #20 of this resource listing.
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: Making The Brain Body Connection
Author(s): Sharon Promislow
Published in: 1998 - Pages: 175 (softcover)
Published by: Kinetic Publishing Company; West Vancouver, B.C., Canada
Comments: An easy-to-read book covering mind-body relationships. It provides simple ways to apply what is covered in order to decrease physical and emotional blocks to learning success. This is a good first book to read in this area. The Canadian address is - -
Enhanced Learning & Integration, Inc.
#713 1489 Marine Drive
West Vancouver, B.C., V7T 1B8
www.enhancedlearning.com
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 truly up-to-date 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 (usually 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: Quantum Teaching
Author(s): Bobbi DePorter, Mark Reardon, Sarah Singer-Nourie
Published in: 1999 - Pages: 230 (paperback)
Published by: Allyn & Bacon; Needham Heights, MA
Comments: A very practical guide for teachers and presenters. It clearly defines strategies that can help students achieve on much higher levels.
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 Cards
Author(s): Kagan Cooperative Learning
Published in: Various Years Pages: 4 on laminated card
Published by: Kagan; San Clemente, CA
Comments: Practical, laminated, 4-page, 8-1/2 x 11 folders for $3.00 each on such topics as:

Mind Mapping
Multiple Intelligences
Emotional Intelligence
Graphic Organizers
Cooperative Learning

Each card contains a reasonably thorough summary of information on its title topic. The cards are an especially useful follow-up resource after a workshop on a topic. The address of the supplier is - - Kagan; P.O. Box 72008; San Clemente, CA. The telephone number is 1-800-933-2667; the web address is www.KaganOnline.com.
Title: Teaching Kids with Learning Difficulties in the Regular Classroom
Author(s): Susan Winebrenner
Published in: 1996 - Pages: 237 (softcover)
Published by: Free Spirit Publishing Inc.; Minneapolis, MN
Comments: This book contains many strategies and techniques for practical service to struggling students who might otherwise feel neglected in regular classrooms. It provides over 50 reproducible forms and handouts. It has good sections on welcoming activities, learning styles, multiple intelligences, authentic assessment and enlisting parents as partners.
Title: Teaching with the Brain in Mind
Author(s): Eric Jensen
Published in: 1998 - Pages: 114 (softcover)
Published by: ASCD; Alexandria, VA (or see Eric’s Brain Store catalog)
Comments: Here, Eric provides a solid overview of some of the basic brain principles. Topics include brain basics, getting students and your children ready to learn, getting the brain’s attention, dealing with stress, motivation, emotions, movement, making meaning for optional learning, and memory/recall. This is one of many books from Eric Jensen; he is one of the top writers and presenters in the nation. He concentrates on helping teachers; his books and seminars do this very well. ASCD has many other excellent materials on brain principles.
Title: VIDEO SET - - Impacting Teaching and Learning with Brain Research
Author(s): David Sousa
Published in: 2002 - catalog Pages: 3-video set
Published by: Video Journal of Education & TeachStream (See below.)
Comments: A set of three videos of 28 to 37 minutes each is available in any one of three formats - - an elementary edition, a middle school edition, and a high school edition. David does an outstanding job covering implications of brain research, brain and body cycles that affect learning, and providing application examples. Again, the videos can be the basis for excellent in-service training which teachers appreciate. You can order a $385 set from - -

Video Journal of Education & TeachStream
8686 South 1300 East
Sandy, UT 84094
Telephone: (800) 572-1153
Web: www.teachstream.com

The Video Journal has other excellent programs based on brain research also.

Update, August of 2003

Books:

Title: About Teaching
Author: Bernice McCarthy
Published in: 2000. Pages: 207 (softcover)
Published by: About Learning, Incorporated; Wauconda, IL
Comments: This is the latest book on the 4MAT system of planning teaching units. The system is brain-research-based, practical, and popular in many school districts across the nation. Other excellent related materials are also available from About Learning, Incorporated.
Title: Boys and Girls Learn Differently
Author: Michael Gurian
Published in: 2001. Pages: 345 (hardcover)
Published by: Jossey-Boss, A Wiley Company; San Francisco, CA
Comments: This excellent book both reviews research and offers related practical advice at levels from preschool through high school.
Title: Differentiation Through Learning Styles and Memory
Author(s): Marilee Sprenger
Published in: 2003 - Pages: 163 (softcover)
Published by: Corwin Press, Inc.; Thousand Oaks, CA
Comments: This book covers environments for learning, different learning styles, and a major emphasis on different pathways to memory for different students. Conversations with a new teacher, Bloom’s taxonomy, and specific examples for different students are used to provide practical examples of activities and teaching strategies. A simple 10-question learning style test is included. The book is an excellent resource for a teacher interested in helping different students discover how they learn best.
Title: Teaching to the Brain's Natural Learning Systems
Author: Barbara K. Given
Published in: 2002. Pages: 163 (softcover)
Published by: ASCD; Alexandria, VA
Comments: Professor Given describes five natural learning systems of the brain defined by research in neurobiology - - the emotional learning system, the social learning system, the cognitive learning system, the physical learning system, and the reflective learning system. She offers suggestions for teachers to take advantage of each of these systems. This is a different approach than Howard Gardner's multiple intelligences approach; it coordinates consideration of the learning systems with consideration of basic psychological needs.
Title: Emotional Longevity
Author: Norman B. Anderson, Ph.D., with P. Elizabeth Anderson
Published in: 2003. Pages: 332 (hardcover)
Published by: Viking Penguin; New York, NY
Comments: This book carefully documents the major impact that emotions have on your health and longevity. Serious reading can help any adult to improve their health and life. It provides a solid background and motivation for paying attention to the teaching of emotional skills in our schools. It is not a how-to-teach book, but no educator could read it without becoming convinced that school curricula should be designed to help develop emotional intelligence of youngsters.
Title: Environments for Learning
Author: Eric Jensen
Published in: 2003. Pages: 61 (softcover)
Published by: The Brain Store; San Diego, California 92121
Comments: Eric Jensen reviews over 99 specific suggestions for making schools more brain-compatible. Topics like classroom and school size, learning zones, lighting, air quality, use of aromas and music, color, and clutter are covered in a direct and practical way. The tone is set by a quote from Eric at the beginning of the book - - “How important are they (environments)? How important is water to fish?
Title: Learning In Style (assessment tool)
Author: David Meier
Published in: 2002. Pages: 20 (with scoring grid)
Published by: The Center for Accelerated Learning; 1103 Wisconsin St.; Lake Geneva, WI 53147
Comments: Secondary or college teachers, trainers, or individual learners can use this assessment tool to determine learning preferences. It is based on the SAVI model developed at the Center for Accelerated Learning (Somatic, Auditory, Visual, Intellectual learning styles). Most important, the manual associated with this tool provides specific learning suggestions for each of four types of learning preferences, the types being combinations of basic styles. A major advantage of this assessment device is its recognition of the intellectual or reflective style of learning neglected in so many assessment tools. A school or other organization can purchase personal assessment booklets, a kit that includes 50 online uses, and additional online uses. More information can be gained online at www.alcenter.com or by telephoning the Center at 1-262-248-7070.
Title: Let Me Learn
Author: Christine A. Johnston
Published in: 1998. Pages: 220 (softcover)
Published by: Corwin Press, Inc.; Thousands Oaks, California 91320
Comments: This is a book on different learning styles. It includes a three-page learning style inventory. However, the powerful message of the book comes from descriptions of learning experiences from different students and a major suggestion - - Listen to your students and then form partnerships that help students use their different learning styles. Careful study and use of the Let Me Learn process can help any teacher to be far more effective, especially in working with students who exhibit technical (hands-on) and confluent (intuitive) learning preferences. Here is a powerful heading from the book - - “My Learning (style) Combination Isn’t an Illness to Be Cured.” The book provides specific help to elementary teachers, secondary teachers, and administrators who want to facilitate student growth by recognizing different combinations of learning styles or patterns.
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: Tools for Engagement: Managing Emotional Status for Learner Success
Author: Eric Jensen
Published in: 2003. Pages: 150 (softcover)
Published by: The Brain Store; San Diego, California 92121
Comments: Every person who presents to others, teachers and trainers alike, can benefit from the over 440 engagement “tools” described in this book. It is dedicated to promoting student or audience involvement with easy-to-use strategies. The strategies can turn reluctant learners into engaged learners who will learn more in less time. This is a classic for promoting more active learning on all levels for elementary school to adults.

Other Material:
Catalog: Trainer's Warehouse
Author(s): Trainer's Warehouse
89 Washington Avenue
Natick, MA 01760
Tel. 1-800-299-3770
Web site: trainerswarehouse.com
Published: Annually

Comments: A superior source of teaching and training aids from gadgets to games, from magic to PowerPoint aids, from books of activities to software and recognition certificates.