We're Born to Learn: Using the Brain's Natural Learning Process to Create Today's Curriculum

By Rita Smilkstein

'This author not only summarizes the theories and research regarding how the brain functions in the process of learning--natural learning--she also shows how she has continued to apply it in her own teaching and learning - Robert Pinney, Director, Extension Teacher Education Programs, Western Washington University 'This is an important and useful book--readable, practical, and inspiring advice for the practicing teacher. This is a great translation of theory into practice, and Ritas stories of her own work are especially compelling - Jean MacGregor, National Learning Communities Project, The Evergreen State College, Olympia, Washington This book is intended to make it possible for all students to realize their potential as natural learners. It shows teachers how to make this possible - not with attention-getting activities that are more or less peripheral to the curriculum, but with the curriculum itself. Written for all teachers from K-12 through higher education, as well as future educators, this volume also provides information for parents, students in general, and everyone who wants to know how the brain learns. Chapters Two and Three discuss two areas of research related to learning: classroom/field research and neuroscience research. These two areas are brought together in Chapter Six, leading to principles for developing brain-compatible, natural-learning curricula for any subject at any level. The author provides examples of classroom-proven applications of the theory, and Chapters Eight and Nine, using guidelines and models, show how this research-based theory can be applied to the development of curricula for any classroom. Examples of how to develop lesson plans and curricula for a unit, course, or program will be useful for teachers in all subjects.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 076194642X
• ISBN13: 9780761946427
• Release Date: December 2002
• Publisher: Corwin
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.8" x 0.5" x 7.0"

Customer Reviews

Brain-based Teaching need not upset the apple-cart

Dr. Smilkstein has explained how the brain attaches new learning to the neuron-networks established for the initial concept in each student's mind. She discusses how students are involved and interested when they know they are building new dendrites to connect across synapses and create more knowledge for the student. And she does this with simple approaches classroom teachers can initiate easily without losing the focus the testing mandates press upon them each day. It's worth the read just for the encouragement.