Art of Changing the Brain : Enriching the Practice of Teaching by Exploring the Biology of Learning

by Zull, James E.

• ISBN13: 9781579220549
• ISBN10: 1579220541
• eBook ISBN(s): 9781000981438
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2002-11-01
• Publisher: Stylus Pub Llc

Summary

Neuroscience tells us that the products of the mind--thought, emotions, artistic creation--are the result of the interactions of the biological brain with our senses and the physical world: in short, that thinking and learning are the products of a biological process. This realization, that learning actually alters the brain by changing the number and strength of synapses, offers a powerful foundation for rethinking teaching practice and one's philosophy of teaching. James Zull invites teachers in higher education or any other setting to accompany him in his exploration of what scientists can tell us about the brain and to discover how this knowledge can influence the practice of teaching. He describes the brain in clear non-technical language and an engaging conversational tone, highlighting its functions and parts and how they interact, and always relating them to the real world of the classroom and his own evolution as a teacher. "The Art of Changing the Brain" is grounded in the practicalities and challenges of creating effective opportunities for deep and lasting learning, and of dealing with students as unique learners.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	xi
Introduction A new perspective, some struggles, and a hope	xiii
The Sweet Edge	1	(10)
Learning is physical---we can understand!
PART I: FOUNDATIONS	11	(78)
Where We Ought to be	13	(18)
The natural relationship between brain structure and learning
Holding a Just Balance	31	(16)
Brain connections that change data into knowledge
Our Trade and Our Art	47	(22)
Evolution of the brain and motivation of the learner
A Feeling of this Business	69	(20)
In the business of reason and memory, feelings count
Summary of Part I	88	(1)
PART II: KNOWLEDGE, NEURONAL NETWORKS, CHANGE, AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE TEACHER	89	(44)
What we Already Know	91	(20)
To begin, find out about existing neuron networks
Only Connect!	111	(22)
How teachers can change neuronal networks
Summary of Part II	132	(1)
PART III: USING MORE OF THE CEREBRAL CORTEX TO DEEPEN LEARNING	133	(114)
Sense Luscious	135	(18)
Using the power of the sensory brain to help people learn
Waiting for Unity	153	(24)
Helping people comprehend their experience
The Courageous Leap	177	(26)
Creating knowledge by using the integrative frontal cortex
Test by Trial	203	(18)
Using the motor brain to close the loop of learning
We did this Ourselves	221	(26)
Changing the brain through effective use of emotion
Summary of Part III	245	(2)
Epilogue Enrichments	247	(4)
Index	251	(12)
About the Author	263