Customer Reviews

Teaching with the Brain in Mind, Revised 2nd Edition

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I had an interest in the brain and learning and bought a couple of books, including this one. It sat on my shelf until last week due to time required elsewhere--or so I told myself. The principal at my school engaged me in a conversation on the topic as she is currently reading the book. (It was nice to find someone who shares this interest, as most others get that "glazed" look when I bring the subject up.) Well, I was motivated to begin the book and went right home to read it. Now, I am a skeptic at heart and need to "see things for myself"; I do not buy into things hook, line, and sinker. I found the writing style of this author to be a little lacking and I have several spots where I jotted down notes in the margins when I really disagreed with some things. So, I certainly would not treat this book as the Bible on the brain related to learning. However, I did get many good ideas to try out in the classroom and I am truly looking forward to getting back to school to implement them. If just two or three of these ideas stand the test of time and serve to improve my teaching, the book will have been worth its price and the time invested in reading it. The author does recommend certain "atmosphere" guidelines so, I suppose, that is touchy-feely; however, most of these ideas make sense. A child will not perform to potential when he/she perceives threat, whether it be fear of risk-taking/being wrong, fear of losing the esteem of peers or being mocked, etc. Feeling threatened, to whatever degree, creates stress; stress does not promote optimal learning. I also found that this book affirmed some of my current practices such as getting children up and moving frequently. I will now be sure to do this even more often; it is easy to do and takes little time. Music will definitely be used more wisely in my classroom in addition to movement. I have begun reading How the Brain Learns by Sousa now and I ordered two more "brain" books. I am almost done with Sousa's book and I like it even more than this one. While few people (even colleagues) share this interest with me, those reading this review most likely do. With that in mind, I do recommend this book as it has lots of useful info and ideas but would recommend How the Brain Learns even more.

This a wonderful book to read. Eric Jensen's writing helps keep me interested. I learned a lot of useful information that I can take with me when I return to the classroom. I just wished that I had heard about this years ago when I was an undergraduate. My sincere hope is that when it comes time for our standardized testing that my students will be more than ready to go.

I believe this book was reasonably priced, extremely enlightening, very informative, interesting and intellectually stimulating. I liked it tremendously and found several familiar methods, strategies, and practices in the educational arena. I read every chapter with delight and understanding, then summarized each for my Processes and Acquisition of Reading Skills course for my MA.Spcl.Educ. I will not resell this book. It is a keeper. FriskyFreeda

I bought this book because it was required for a graduate course on child development that I was taking. I was surprised by how much I really enjoyed reading this book! What I found most refreshing is that it is a clear example of 'practice what you preach'. Short, sweet, to the point and yet interesting to read! I read this book like a novel and 3 years later, find myself continually referring back to it. - I would definitely recommend it to anyone interested in teaching, young children and/or brain-based research. -- Another bonus is that price! To me, the price reflects Eric Jensen's intention on making this book accessible to all who are interested in it, which speaks to the 'greater good' and authenticity/genuine purpose of Jensen and his work.

Eric Jensen is a former teacher and the author of more than two dozen books on learning and the brain. His Teaching with the Brain in Mind was published 13 years ago, but this second edition was revised and updated six years ago. The book is approximately 160 pages not including the glossary, references, and index. It consists of 12 chapters that provide a basic introduction to the anatomy of the brain and how to apply brain research in the classroom.

The basic message of Jensen's book is that we have a much greater ability to affect the learning of students than we realize. Some of the many topics covered in his book include include how to prepare children for school, how to motivate students to participate, how to influence emotional states, how to design smarter schools, and how to enhance memory and critical thinking skills.

Teaching with the Brain in Mind was one of four books I was assigned for an Understanding the Learner class that I am taking through Columbia International University. I would not have chosen to read this book had it not been required reading, however, reading the book has definitely made me reflect on how I have instructed students and perhaps what I should have done differently. Today I would attempt to find ways to bring more kinesthetics and music into the classroom. I would also do a better job of inviting guest speakers and challenging the students to learn about and further serve the local community. I will need to promote these kind of activities amongst the teachers I work with.

My final analysis: I think few would call Jensen's book a gripping read, but it is clear and will provide you some practical insights.

This book explains important cognitive material in a classroom applicable way. I will keep this for my professional library.

While Jensen's audience is appropriately educators, anyone in the business of effectively communicating and drawing out their people's best thinking on the job can equally benefit.
Jensen presents the latest information about brain research on a lay person's level, and includes practical how-to tips and techniques for leveraging the brain research. Jensen's conversational style of writing contributes to easier reading from this informational text.
Recommend for educators, HR, presenters, students, and even parents.

This a great book for teachers and parents. It really makes you think about how we all process information. It arrived in great condition.

Fabulous book! I am a teacher and am recommending it to every teacher I know. I think it's a great book for every parent to read! It would be wonderful if "those government people" who make the many many many standards would read this book.

Really good insights into how the brain works. I learned some new concepts that are helpful to teachers. I did this in a book chat and it was well worth it.