In the last 20 years, the cognitive sciences have revealed fresh,
surprising, and useful insights into how and why our students learn.
Teachers can now draw on psychology and neuroscience research to
supplement, reconsider, even overturn our traditions and training.
To use this research most wisely, teachers must find our way to an
elusive Goldilocks Zone. Instead of resisting all research-based
guidance, we should be ready to take it to heart - even when it
challenges both our training and conventional wisdom.
Instead of accepting all research-based guidance, we should be ready to
reject it emphatically - especially the hyped-up edu-fads that
exaggerate and misinterpret psychology findings.
How can we get this Goldilocks balance "just right"?
This book offers a specific, practical quest map to discover just such a
balance. By critically examining the source, the research, and
ourselves, teachers can develop the skills necessary to be effective
research skeptics.
Written by a teacher with 18 years in the classroom - and 13 years
studying neuroscience and psychology - The Goldilocks Map transforms
brain research from a daunting monologue into an approachable, exciting,
and lively conversation.