40 Engaging Brain-Based Tools for the Classroom - Paperback

by Michael A. Scaddan (Author)

"Scaddan has collected many positive, easy-to-read ideas that will be helpful for educators."
--Eric Jensen, Educational Consultant

"This book honors the art and science of teaching and learning. Read it, use it, and carry it from school to school, classroom to classroom for decades. This book is a backpack full of ideas, strategies, and activities to enhance brains and enrich hearts."
--Glenn Capelli, Churchill Fellow
True Learning Centre, Australia

"This is the missing link in so many of our schools′ curriculum. Scaddan sparks the joy of learning in children and builds relationships between teachers and learners. A must-have for administrators, teachers, counselors, and anyone interested in understanding what it takes to make a difference."
--Nancy G . Peterson, Educational Consultant

Use these practical, brain-friendly tools to engage learners and impact student achievement!

Educators looking for proven methods to introduce brain-compatible instruction into K-12 classrooms will find invaluable assistance in this easy-to-read, engaging resource. The author helps teachers understand how the brain, mind, and body function in the learning process, demonstrates methods to reinforce students′ memory and concentration, and illustrates ways to enhance learners′ outcomes across a broad range of skills.

This flexible guide converts the latest findings on brain research into fun and effective techniques for reducing behavioral distractions in class, improving academic performance, and strengthening teachers′ instructional skills. Within a holistic brain-based teaching model, this practical book offers:

• 40 brain-friendly tools for improving learning and test results
• A brain-based review feature that helps readers evaluate and modify the tools to meet students′ needs
• Stimulating quotes and motivational proverbs for inspiration
• Stories, songs, poems, and anecdotes woven throughout the text

This guide is ideal for empowering students and helping them take ownership of their learning.

Author Biography

With 34 years of educational experience, Mike Scaddan is not only a successful and innovative professional trainer, but he has also had the practical experience of leading a highly successful, internationally recognized school in brain compatible learning. Over the 10 year period, from 1995-2004, more than 40 international visitors travelled to Te Puna School, New Zealand, to view practical strategies that led students′ academic results to rise significantly above the national average, and also created a drop in the school′s annual detention rate.

As a school Principal, he continued to be a practical, hands-on educator, teaching all levels of children through an innovative Learn to Learn program. This enabled him to develop hundreds of useful and practical classroom tips as well as fine tune successful school-wide techniques which are now passed on to fellow educators.

Always looking for a better way, he has extensive training in brain compatible learning completing an M.Ed in accelerated learning at the University of Tasmania.

Mike is now CEO of Brain Stems Ltd., a brain compatible training organization, and has works as a full time learning consultant in the USA, Sweden, Hungary, India and Australia as well as throughout New Zealand. He has recently been employed as an educational consultant to the Government of Thailand and has been named as a Patron for the newly established Brain Based Learning Institute in Budapest.