Teach like a Neuroscientist

Today we take a look at high level concepts in reading comprehension. As early as the the 1960's, reading instruction has been taught in many schools across the United States using the Three Cueing System, which led many students astray in their reading development.

Today, we discuss the shift towards the scientifically proven reading instruction method. From logographic to orthographic execution, starting from phonological awareness and decoding, we outline a foundational structure for reading development.

Today we go over academic papers that have researched the relationship between SES and adolescent development and learning incomes.

I didn't mention in the episode that of course, correlation does NOT equal causation, so these are simply observed parallels moreso than defining factors.

Ultimately, focus should remain on intervention and preventative measures based on biomarkers and classroom behaviors.

We often hear that men are smarter than women, solely due to a quick brain size comparison. In today's episode, we dismantle this by citing Dotson & Duarte's work on diversity in neuroscience. Their study touches on sex differences in emotional and cognitive processing, and leaves us with a larger takeaway for how we can view male and female brains.

Over 6 million students in the United States present with ADHD. Breaking down misconceptions, relevant brain regions, and realistic classroom applications.

Another episode, another neuromyth debunked! Expanding upon the adolescent brain, its developmental nature, and its necessity for intentional and scaffolded tools for proper cognitive load.

Discussing the importance of daily welcome & connection rituals when it comes to fostering belonging in the classroom. We discuss brain regions that respond to social connection, as well as quick and easy ways teachers can implement these techniques into their day to day classroom.

Two interdependent systems call for two episodes in one. We cover the high level definitions of memory and learning, the four stages of encoding a memory, the brain regions involved in different types of memory, and creative applications for the classroom to encourage memory encoding all the way to retrieval.

Bloom's Taxonomy PDF

Active Playful Learning

In this episode we define executive functioning through the lens of neuroscience, while reminding educators that executive functioning is involved in everyday tasks. Cognitive training isn't limited to a training center, but can happen through integrating intentional cognitive practices, which are both easier and more enjoyable than most would think!

The wiring of the adolescent brain, how it's unique from adults, and why it may cause more impulsive behavior. How we as teachers build prosocial relationships in the classroom to create open, safe spaces for our students.

The neural correlates of expectance value theory and how we can use it to not only build motivation, but facilitate strengths-based learning models in the classroom.

Sharing what gos on in the brain during mindfulness, its benefits in student outcomes, and three classroom-friendly mindfulness exercises for students of all ages.

Another episode, another neuromyth debunked.

We discuss where the age-old narrative originated, and ways educators can move past the right versus left brained narrative in the classroom.

In this episode, we touch on how the science community has debunked the VAK (Visual, Auditory, Kinesthetic) Learning Model, and share two steps teachers can take to encourage learning beyond the traditional model.