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Engaging 'Tweens and Teens
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Engaging 'Tweens and Teens
A Brain-Compatible Approach to Reaching Middle and High School Students



September 2006 | 232 pages | Corwin
This book is designed to help teachers of middle and secondary students understand the basic neurobiology behind adolescent behaviors, and apply that understanding to change and invigorate their teaching practice. As we know, student engagement plays a critical role in student learning. Based on what science and psychology have discovered about the brain in the past two decades, author Raleigh Philp shows teachers how to achieve engagement by:

• Recognizing and being able to respond to the emotional states teens commonly experience

• Frequently changing students' physiological states to prevent them from getting bored or mentally checking out during instruction

• Incorporating technologies teens use into classroom instruction and discussion, such as cell phones, weblogs, wikis, digital cameras, iPods, and Sidekicks

• Enlivening class with music students will respond to, from classical to pop to hip hop

The book also discusses the effects of stress on learning, and explores common teen risk-taking behaviours, such as violence and substance abuse. The final chapter addresses academic performance-enhancing drugs students are increasingly taking in response to the pressures of standardized testing. Teachers' awareness of, and ability to respond to, this problem is of growing importance.

Teachers will gain an understand of the changes taking place in the teen brain and be ready to adapt teaching so it is more intentional and appropriate, resulting in meaningful learning experiences for teenage students.

 
Preface
 
Acknowledgments
 
About the Author
 
1. What We Know About the Brain and Learning: Integrating Neuroscience, Psychology, and Education
 
2. Mapping the Brain: New Findings in Brain Research
 
3. Environmental and Genetic Effects on the Developing Brain
 
4. The Brain During Adolescence: Making Sense of Technology, Media, Social Status, and Education
 
5. Making Material Meaningful: Connecting Emotions and Learning
 
6. Stress and the Brain-Body Connection: Restoring Balance in the Classroom
 
7. Managing Students’ Physiological States for Engaged Learning
 
8. Using Music Effectively to Enhance Learning
 
9. This is Your Brain On…: Understanding and Curbing Adolescent Substance Abuse
 
10. Drugs That Enhance Student Achievement: Good Kids Making Bad Decisions
 
Conclusion
 
References
 
Index

"A remarkable blend of scientific and practical strategies. Full of heart, creativity, scientific veracity, and wisdom. A must-read for all educators who want to get inside the teenage brain."

Eric Jensen, Author and Consultant

"Discusses a variety of neuroscientific findings relevant to classroom teachers and their students, and includes many practical tips. A tremendous resource for educators and parents!"

Eric H. Chudler, Director of Education and Outreach
University of Washington

"Masterfully distills brain research into easily understood concepts, connecting each to simple teaching methods that lead to peak academic performance."

Jeff Haebig, President
Wellness Quest

"Explains the latest advances in neuro-cognitive science and supports them with practical classroom applications. This book demystifies the what, why, and how of brain-compatible teaching."

Sheryl Feinstein, Author, Secrets of the Teenage Brain
Author, Secrets of the Teenage Brain

"Easier to read than most, because of the excellent text structure, illustrations, and attractive layout. This book can be used as a 1-chapter, 20-minute study with an application strategy; such a mini-workshop exercise can be both fun and instructive."

Teacher Librarian, April 2007

For instructors

Please contact your Academic Consultant to check inspection copy availability for your course.

Select a Purchasing Option

ISBN: 9781890460495
£31.99