Educators not only teach, they mold and develop young minds. This isn’t simply a metaphor.  Research shows that brains are malleable and can be physiologically altered by a number of external factors. Educators play a much bigger role in the literal molding and development of their students’ brains than was once believed. Based on the work of veteran educator and brain expert Eric Jensen, this 2 credit hour course delves into practical strategies to improve student comprehension and achievement by building on the latest brain-based learning research. By learning how the brain responds to such factors as movement, emotions, feedback, social interactions, and classroom environments, educators will be able to intentionally tap into the brain’s natural reward system, improve memory retention and recall, initiate motivation, and develop critical thinking skills. Jensen’s approach bridges the gap from scientific research to real life classroom applications, emphasizing what educators can do to develop new brain-based lessons and curriculum and improve student learning.

Required Text: Teaching with the Brain in Mind, 2nd ed. by Eric Jensen