Customer Reviews

Different Brains, Different Learners: How to Reach the Hard to Reach

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Eric Jensen knows the needs of busy teachers and has the gift in helping them to utilize up-to-date knowledge in brain studies. Here it is applied to identifying 10 types of different learners: 1. impulsive ones with ADD, 2. resigned with learned helplessness, 3. challenged reader with dyslexia, 4. argumentative with oppositional disorder, 5. frustrated with learning delayed, 6. hyperactive, 7. with auditory-processing deficits, 8. out of control, 9. the demotivated with chronic threat and distress, and 10. depressed and troubled.

You are given a pre-test and a post-test of 10 unique students to see if you can identify the patterns of symptoms rather than isolated behaviors. There are many color-prints of corresponding brain-images and graphic charts that facilitate learning. Brief summaries of treatment methods, supplementary resources on books, websites and organizations are given on each type. All teachers should acquire such general background knowledge so that the unqiue needs and gifts of students can be respected.

A great book for teachers as well as parents. It helps to understand what is or may be happening in the brain. I like the recommendations given on ways we can help alleviate stressful events under given conditions.

This book lacks the depth it seems to promise. Some of the illustrations are lacking. There is not enough meat to help anyone with special needs learners. I would suggest you look elsewhere. I was greatly disappointed since the majority of work by Jensen is wonderful.

The chapters are set up like a pamplet with bulleted information. It just doesn't seem appropriate for a college class. It is written like a middle school textbook, and it doesn't offer more information than what most laymen already know.

The second edition of Eric Jensen's DIFFERENT BRAINS, DIFFERENT LEARNERS packs in a survey updated to reflect new tools and strategies based on further research into brain function and learning. The color guide provides an outline for identifying prevalent impairments and teaches how to handle each. Libraries will find this a top pick.