Using their Brains in Science: Ideas for Children Aged 5 to 14

Focusing on active ways to help children 5-14 years old improve their thinking and learning skills in science, this resource provides strategies for teaching creative, brain-friendly lessons.
The idea for this book has developed from working in classrooms
with many teachers and learners and through listening to what they
say. Teachers worry that learners forget what is taught whilst the
learners ask such questions as ‘Shall I underline the title?’, ‘Do you
want the long date or short date?’ and ‘Is this right?’ A greater understanding
of how learners’ brains work should make it easier to promote
good learning. Perhaps today too much time is focused on
strategies and systems and on the structure of the curriculum, instead
of on how quality learning happens.
‘Why is it important to understand how the brain works?’
One answer could be that it is not important and it is merely enough
for teachers to know what to teach. This approach has its limits, as
without an understanding of how the brain works teaching will not
equate to learning. So ‘How it is taught?’ is as important as ‘What is
taught!’ Teaching is a demanding activity and meeting the needs of 30
learners takes considerable time and energy. Coping with the demands
of day-to-day teaching can preclude any thoughts about the bigger picture
and the purpose of education. Is teaching today about enabling