Customer Reviews

Enriching the Brain: How to Maximize Every Learner's Potential (Jossey-Bass Education)

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The book's like eating a nutritious meal-- it's filling but also good for you. I liked the blending of science and practical advice. Loved all the new scientific breakthroughs on enrichment; Jensen's passionate about this topic and that's really what makes the book work. The book gives the real scientific basis for how our brain becomes "enriched." The last book this good was Marian Diamond's "Magic Trees of the Mind." Here Jensen makes a case for every student, in every school getting an enrichment program, and I can see why. Jensen tells you in clear, readable language, what happens to the brain if your do or don't enrich. I liked the chapters on how the gifted brain is different and why kids of poverty need enrichment as much as anyone. As a teacher, I see things I can do better in my class, but I actually bought it because I'm a parent. The more things you see that you can do as a parent, the more it opens your own eyes. Most like me think we as parents are doing the right thing, but we have no clue about all the right things and this really details all the stuff you never think of, but I can now do for my own son. There are good chapters specific for teachers and for parents. Highly recommended.

Jensen's theories of enrichment are based on research which he explains in jargon-free everyday language. The research confirms that the brain changes throughout the lifespan. The brain grows with positive experiences. Negative experiences, if they are not managed properly, stunt the brain's ability to grow.

Jensen's definition of enrichment is that of a result: "a positive biological response to a contrasting environment, in which measurable synergistic, and global changes have occurred."

He cites 7 factors that contribute to enrichment and throughout the book returns to them in his discussions of research, designs for school and parental enrichment efforts, and implications for forming public policy.

Unfortunately, public education is moving in a different direction. Teachers spend more time each school year documenting their every minute of student contact at the expense of more creative lessons, multiple assessments and IEPs for all. Students spend increasing amounts of time studying for and taking one size fits all tests. Until the "system" changes, schools will be measured in the public eye by their rankings on these tests. Vocal parents (who enrich their kids at home) will continue to pressure school boards and administrators for the short term fix (test prep.) in the classroom.

Research, and its accessibility through the writings of Jensen and others, helps those with the resourses and energies to reach the diffuse and quasi-anonymous constituencies that support this ever growing testing. Hopefully, as more and more people come to understand the research and its implications, the current direction of reliance on testing in the name of accountability can be reversed.

Wow.....what a masterpiece! I love this book as Jensen built on

solid research what has been presented in the past with some awesome

current "blow-you-away" research. The brain truly is amazing and he demonstrates and orchestrates the text beautifully in a language educators can understand. My opinion....Eric Jensen's best book yet!

Eric Jensen's new book is a must read for anyone who works with or is raising children. I am an educator and have read many resources on brain research and this one is by far the most comprehensive and interesting. Jensen makes the info about the brain accessible to all readers and the book is filled with many "Aha!" moments. I found the book so useful, I recently did a professional development presentation on it giving away a few copies as door prizes and lending out additional copies to colleagues. I even handed it to administrators to read too. This book is just outstanding.

Enriching the Brain should be required reading for educators, parents, and people who want to understand how to help others achieve at their highest levels. Eric Jensen is well-known in his field so I was expecting an authoritative and comprehensive presentation of the latest reserch about the brain. I was not disappointed. He also provided suggestions for how we can maximize the brain's potential and the importance of providing enrichment for everyone.

Eric Jensen has "done it again." He has carefully laid out reasons and suggestions for enriching all children. He carefully covers neuroscience research relating to the science of enrichment and provides practical suggestions to help every student reach his/her learning potential. Jensen stresses that the brain can and does change, bringing hope to caregivers, parents, and teachers. This is an important and powerful book written with integrity and wisdom.. If you want to make a difference in the lives of children, you HAVE to read this book.

I read this as part of a graduate course and really enjoyed it. It talks about the latest findings in brain reserach and how humans' brains can change and are quite malleable. I was really intrigued by the information and findings. Any teacher or parent-to-be would really benefit from this book.

As is typical with Eric's style, he makes the scientific research understandable to the lay person. He clearly explains the brain-based foundations for enriching the learning and experiences of all students. As a former teacher, he has insights that speak to the new and experienced teacher alike. This book is easy to read and you'll discover tons of ideas and strategies that will be applicable to the classroom and home.

I wish I had the oppty to get this knowledge 20 years ago. What a marvellous piece of work. Eric has explained in simple terms how the brain develops, the functions of it's parts, and - what happens to the brain at different ages. Brain development process is ongoing throughout an individual's life and contrary to popular opinion - aging doesnt quite have the detrimental effect people say it does. I have recommended this book to every parent I know of.

As far as child development is concerned - unfortunately a vast majority of the people have a rudimentary understanding of what are the do's and dont's when it comes to raising children in the right manner. Life - after all did not come with an operators manual or instructions, neither do children. Save yourself a lot of trouble, and create a better world thru helping "everyone" develop the right way - read and practice the learning from this book. You will do yourself and others a great favor.

Rai Chowdhary

I love Eric Jensen's work. Great book. Good resource for those who work with children.