"Describes activities at a level of detail that will allow teachers to immediately try them out in their own classrooms. If more classrooms reflected these ideas and used these strategies, education would not only be more effective and powerful, it would be a far more joyful experience for our students." -Barbara Clark, Professor Emeritus California State University, Los Angeles "Teachers who intend to make a marked difference in their students' learning and lives will profit from reading this book. Not only will they find the material useful, they will be gratified and strengthened in their commitment." -Leah Welte, Teacher Alpine School District, American Fork, UT Create a high-achieving, joyful learning environment informed by brain-based research! In this thoroughly updated bestseller, seasoned educator Martha Kaufeldt helps teachers understand and apply current findings in neuroscience research to all aspects of their classroom practice, from behavior management to curriculum design. Using what we know about how the brain learns optimally, this ready-to-go resource provides practical guidance to new and experienced teachers on how to create a learner-centered classroom, including: Setting up a classroom Establishing routines and procedures Fostering students' intellectual curiosity Reducing learned helplessness in students Developing students' respect for one another's cultural and educational backgrounds Building a classroom community Complete with updates and explanations of relevant neuroscience research, this field-tested guide will help teachers maximize student learning by making instruction compatible with how the brain learns best.
Martha Kaufeldt has been a classroom teacher for more than 20 years. Now an independent consultant, she works with school districts across the United States and Canada on developing brain-compatible teaching and learning strategies. She gives motivational presentations and dynamic workshops that address the fundamentals of brain-compatible learning theory and integrated curriculum for all grade levels.
Preface Acknowledgments About the Author Introduction: Brain-Compatible Learning and Learner-Centered Education 1. Begin With the Brain: Interpreting Neuroscience Research 2. Welcome Home: Designing the Learning Environment 3. Meeting Students' Basic Needs: Building the Foundation for Learning 4. Routines and Procedures: Organizing Systems for Orderliness 5. Building Community and Managing Conflicts: Orchestrating Positive Social Interactions 6. Making a Connection: Building Curiosity and Ensuring Engagement 7. Meaningful Experiences: Creating 21st-Century Citizens 8. Student Choice in a Learner-Centered Classroom: Orchestrating Opportunities 9. Setting Goals and Using Feedback to Reach Success: Self-Assessment and Learning Celebrations Epilogue Bibliography Recommended Reading Index
"A robust collection of strategies, tools, and suggestions from an experienced classroom teacher's perspective that is linked to current understanding of research on brain-based learning. It is extremely practical for the practicing and preservice elementary teacher." -- Janice Bradley, Project Coordinator "Presents activities that are well chosen and described at a level of detail that will allow teachers to immediately try out the strategies in their own classrooms. Administrators in their role as instructional leader would also be well advised to read these ideas and strategies. If more classrooms reflected these ideas and used these strategies, education would not only be more effective and powerful, it would be a far more joyful experience for our students." -- Barbara Clark, Professor Emeritus "Teachers who intend to make a marked difference in their students' learning and lives will profit from reading this book. They will not only find the material useful, they will be gratified and strengthened in their commitment." -- Leah Welte, Teacher "Martha Kaufeldt's classroom was the most memorable of my life. Each day was an adventure. From field trips to class projects, we learned history, science, writing, and speaking in a way that used all of our five senses. I can honestly say that I wouldn't be doing what I am doing today-teaching and serving in elected office-without Mrs. Kaufeldt's unique and lively approach to education." -- Ryan Coonerty, City Councilmember, City of Santa Cruz
