This updated book on the brain's natural learning process offers practical methods for teaching all students to take responsibility for their own success.
In this updated edition of the extraordinary book that linked brain research and the classroom, Smilkstein incorporates all-new research on brain-compatible teaching and the implications of the brain's natural learning process for how teachers can design and deliver effective lesson plans and curriculum. The author's unique research with almost 7,000 students and educators reveals how people experience their own natural learning.
In this book Smilkstein breaks down the physiological as well as the emotional development of learning into practitioner-friendly terms well-grounded in research, with special emphasis in this revised edition upon the use of technology in schools; strategies to reach gifted students as well as those who are diagnosed with ADD, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorders; and upon the 7 magic words-"see if you can figure this out"-that lie at the heart of curriculum development to engage all learners.
“"We're Born to Learnis one of the most valuable instructional tools teachers will ever use. Knowing 'how' students learn should be absolutely mandatory, yet is rarely taught in college prep. All teachers believe that they are teaching, but few know how students actually learn, and don't consider how the brain processes new information whiledeveloping their lesson plans. Dr. Smilkstein likens the learning brain to twigs on a tree; the twigs grow from a branch that is already there (prior knowledge). After reading this book, the most treasured seven words in every classroom will be, 'See if you can figure this out.'"”
"Packs in in practical methods for achievement and is a top pick for any education collection." -- James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief "This book is a must read for anyone with ADHD or ADD students who are drowning in the public education system. The author presents recent research that opens the door for teachers to immediately create an environment conducive to helping these students learn." -- Karen J. Sides, Dean of Interdisciplinary Programs "Dr. Rita Smilkstein offers a prescription for what ails our developmental students: lack of critical thinking, lack of understanding of the learning process, etc. While the previous edition is a must read, this latest edition is teaching and learning's pharmacology textbook...a collector's item for developmental education." -- Reneau Waggoner, Associate Professor "We're Born to Learn is one of the most valuable instructional tools teachers will ever use. Knowing 'how' students learn should be absolutely mandatory, yet is rarely taught in college prep. All teachers believe that they are teaching, but few know how students actually learn, and don't consider how the brain processes new information while developing their lesson plans. Dr. Smilkstein likens the learning brain to twigs on a tree; the twigs grow from a branch that is already there (prior knowledge). After reading this book, the most treasured seven words in every classroom will be, 'See if you can figure this out.'" -- Dr. Deborah Daiek, Associate Dean "Dr. Rita Smilkstein has inspired thousands of students and educators with her practical application of the Natural Human Learning Process. This new edition brings us up-to-date, and maintains the clarity and generosity of spirit that is Smilkstein's trademark. Her enthusiasm rekindles the joy of learning that is hard-wired in all of us. If you read one book this year, make it We're Born to Learn, then put it into action." -- Laura Symons, Assistant Professor "I encountered Rita Smilkstein's work as I struggled with teaching entry level students on an Indian Reservation. The natural human learning process described in the book transformed my experience. My students were engaged, attending classes, and reprogramming their past from the frame of 'failure' to the frame of 'born to learn.' No teacher, new or experienced, should enter any class without a copy of this book." -- Patricia Jamie Lee, Educational Consultant
Dr. Smilkstein speaks nationally and internationally on brain-compatible education. She has taught in middle school through graduate school including 28 years at North Seattle Community College. Currently Professor Emerita North Seattle Community College and invited faculty in Educational Psychology at Western Washington University's Woodring College of Education, Everett Campus. Publications include articles and books on brain-based curriculum and pedagogy. Author of We're Born to Learn: Using the Brain's Natural Learning Process to Create Curriculum (Corwin Press, 2003), which won the Delta Kappa Gamma International Society's Educator's Award of the Year, 2004; the second edition will be published in 2011. She is a co-author of Igniting Student Potential Using the Natural Human Learning Process (Corwin Press, 2007). M.A. (English, Michigan State University), Ph.D. (Educational Psychology, University of Washington). She has received many teaching awards, including the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development's Excellence Award, 1991, 1995; the College Reading and Learning Association's highest honor, the Robert Griffin Award, 2005; Induction as a Fellow of the American Council of Developmental Education Associations, 2006, the highest honor in the field of Developmental Education.
This item is eligible for simple returns within 30 days of delivery. Return shipping is the responsibility of the customer. See our returns policy for further details.
