Introduction to Brain-Compatible Learning

Eric Jensen is a former teacher who grew up in San Diego, California. With a Ph.D. in Human Development, he synthesizes brain research and develops practical applications for educators. He is listed among the top 30 educators in the world at GlobalGurus.org. Dr. Jensen has authored over 30 books, including Different Brains, Different Learners, Teaching with the Brain in Mind, Turnaround Tools for the Teenage Brain, Teaching with Poverty in Mind, Engaging Students with Poverty in Mind, and Poor Students Rich Students. Dr. Jensen co-founded an academic enrichment program held in 14 countries with over 75,000 graduates. He is a member of the invitation-only Society for Neuroscience and the President’s Club at Salk Institute of Biological Studies. Dr. Jensen provides conference speaking and trainings that can be found at jensenlearning.com. Or, contact: eric@jensenlearning.com.

• AcknowledgmentsAbout the AuthorPart I. Background You NeedIntroductionWhat Is Brain-Compatible Learning?The Old and New of ItWhen Brain Research Is Applied to the Classroom, Everything Will ChangeChange Can Be EasyWe′re Not in Kansas AnymoreWhere′s the Proof?Tools for Exploring the BrainTen Reasons to Care About the Research?The Evolution of Brain ModelsBe a Brain-Smart Consumer: Recognizing Good ResearchAction or Theory: Who Wants to Read All That Research?Excellent Sources of ResearchFun Factoids on the BrainWhat′s in the Human BrainBrain TeaserThe Brain DividedThe Brain ConnectedBrain GeographyBrain "Cell"ebration: Far-out Facts About Brain CellsLearning Happens... But How?Are Today′s Kids Different?Boys′ and Girls′ Brain DifferencesLearning Disabilities: Different BrainsThe Cranial Soup Bowl: Understanding the Chemicals in Our BrainsPart II. The Foundation for Teaching Is Principles, Not StrategiesWhat Are the Principles?Principle 1: The Principle of Change: Brain Is Dynamic, Not FixedImplications for EducatorsPrinciple 2: The Principle of Variety: All Brains Are UniqueImplications for EducatorsPrinciple 3: The Principle of Maturation: Developmental SensitivityImplications for EducatorsPrinciple 4: The Principle of Culture: We Have a "Social Brain"Implications for EducatorsPrinciple 5: The Principle of Connectivity: The Brain Is an Integrated "System of Systems"Implications for EducatorsPrinciple 6: The Principle of Memory MalleabilityImplications for EducatorsPrinciple 7: The Principle of Resource ConsumptionNecessity for ProcessingPart III. So What; Now What?Asking Big Questions: What′s in a Brain-Compatible Curriculum?Brain-Compatible Test-Taking Success StrategiesSystemic Change: The Next LevelBig Picture Analysis: Transformation HappensAction Research Makes a DifferenceThe Learning CommunityWhat′s Next?Appendix A: Brain-Smart Resources and SupportAppendix B: Glossary of Brain TerminologyReferencesIndex

"As an introduction to brain-compatible learning, this book does an admirable job. It highlights some of the important findings of recent brain research and presents ideas in an easy-to-read manner."