Nearly 100 entries describe current brain research as it relates to education, as well as the relationship between the brain and learning and instructional strategies. Over 100 expert authors contributed to this work, covering the cognitive, social/emotional, and physical aspects of learning as the brain develops. Topics include: brain development, learning, curriculum, at-risk, classroom management, culture, emotion, foods, intelligence, learning environments, learning challenges, learning theories, physical movement. Focus is on K-12 education, but the books also offer information on the pre-school and adult learner. Cross references and recommended readings conclude each entry. Supplemental reference sources include a glossary devoted to the brain and an extensive bibliography. Ideal for educators, parents and teachers, this encyclopedia provides a wealth of knowledge about why educational experiences are structured the way they are and how this helps students learn more. Cognitive neuroscience and its practical use in education provides much of the research for this book, however, the entries are written at a level appropriate for a general reader.

This book introduces readers to key concepts and issues in the evolving field of special education. Arguably, over the past thirty years, no other area of education has been as radically transformed as the provision of services to children with disabilities. Since the mid 1970s, special education has steadily grown to reach fully 12% of the U.S. student population in grades K-12, and millions of children from birth to age five. Despite its promise of equal access, special education has become a controversial field in many respects. Critics point to its high cost, questionable pedagogical effectiveness, and differential outcomes across localities, family income levels, and ethnicities. The more typical approach in the literature highlights the legal and procedural mandates that dominate the discourse on educating the disabled student, but fails to explore the underlying assumptions and inconsistencies that make this area of education a controversial and still unsettled enterprise. This handbook departs from the traditional books in the field by focusing on the ways that special education policies and practices are enacted, rather than highlighting only their intended outcomes. Contributors to this text focus on defining commonly used terms and professional jargon in order to give interested readers access and insight into the field of special education and its associated practices. Some of the subjects included in this volume are the history of special education, disability and society, law and special education, pedagogy, policies and practices, and research in special education.

Establishing the parameters and goals of the new field of mind, brain, and education science. A groundbreaking work, Mind, Brain, and Education Science explains the new transdisciplinary academic field that has grown out of the intersection of neuroscience, education, and psychology. The trend in “brain-based teaching” has been growing for the past twenty years and has exploded in the past five to become the most authoritative pedagogy for best learning results. Aimed at teachers, teacher trainers and policy makers, and anyone interested in the future of education in America and beyond, Mind, Brain, and Education Science responds to the clamor for help in identifying what information could and should apply in classrooms with confidence, and what information is simply commercial hype. Combining an exhaustive review of the literature, as well as interviews with over twenty thought leaders in the field from six different countries, this book describes the birth and future of this new and groundbreaking discipline. Mind, Brain, and Education Science looks at the foundations, standards, and history of the field, outlining the ways that new information should be judged. Well-established information is elegantly separated from “neuromyths” to help teachers split the wheat from the chaff in classroom planning, instruction and teaching methodology.

This updated edition of the award-winning bestseller shows teachers how to help students become the motivated, successful, and natural learners they were born to be.

"This tool shows how classrooms can differentiate instruction, spend time on what really matters, and make sure that all children are making progress. I love the practical applications for each age level and what teachers can do to support optimal learning in their classrooms. Fantastic!" —Stephanie Malin, Elementary Instructional Coach Beaverton School District, OR "The author has managed to untangle a very complex topic and make it applicable to everyday learning and teaching. The continuous application of research to learning is a strength of the book. A true gift to a broad band of educators." —Laura Linde, Literacy Coach Hoover Elementary School, North Mankato, MN Finally, a book for early childhood educators that combines child development and brain research! How can early childhood teachers, administrators, and parents translate discoveries on early brain development into strategies that nurture cognitive growth? Synthesizing information from neuroscience, cognitive psychology, and child development, The Developing Brain offers brain-compatible teaching practices that are linked to NAEYC principles for working with young children. Best-selling author Marilee Sprenger covers the basic structure, vocabulary, and current research on the brain from an early childhood educator′s point of view and provides an abundance of illustrations and descriptions. This user-friendly guide includes: Background information on brain development from birth through age two Scenarios and snapshots of each year from age three through eight Reproducible developmental checklists Over 100 brain-based activities for classroom or child care settings Through an understanding of the phases of language, motor, and social development at each age level, educators can create enriching educational experiences that enhance children′s growth and foster an enduring love of learning.

"This is the kind of book that needs to be read and reread. There′s so much usable information. A great resource for all teachers." —William Fitzhugh, Fifth-Grade Teacher Reisterstown Elementary School, MD "The stories and classroom situations throughout the book really helped me visualize how all of this can be put to use. The author definitely practices what she preaches, whether she is teaching in a classroom or teaching through the written word." —Kathy Tritz-Rhodes, Principal Marcus-Meriden-Cleghorn Elementary School, IA Help students lead with their strengths and gain a deeper understanding of concepts! Students′ learning styles are as diverse as the students themselves, so how can teachers reach all learners according to their strengths? In this updated edition of the bestseller, Marilee Sprenger demonstrates how to optimize learning by using brain-based strategies that address students′ social/emotional, cognitive, and physical learning preferences. The author provides readers with graphic organizers, current research on memory, and new charts to help implement differentiated strategies, and also offers: An explanation of how the brain processes, stores, and retains information Pre-assessment strategies for each learning style "Reflect and Connect" questions to help teachers evaluate their current classroom practice Learning and memory tips for students Exit cards, or quick assessments of what students have learned This comprehensive resource provides the tools you need to create a brain-friendly learning environment and to differentiate content, process, and product for your students′ diverse learning needs and strengths.