Educational Neuroscience

Judy Willis

What? Judy is a neurologist who became a classroom teacher, she specializes in brain learning research. She emphases on RAD teaching.
Reach (Reticular Activating System)
Attitude (Amygdala)
Develop (Dopamine)
She has written 3 books and it just publishing a fourth one called "ASCD", a book about research-based strategies for math instruction. Judy also gives presentations and workshops. Her next presentation is on Using the Developments of Neuroscience for Neuro-logical Teaching Strategies. She is full of teaching strategies and working with long term memory. She says, "The goal is to engage your children in learning enrichment and long-term, rather than short-term (rote), memory-building activities."

So What? Well the RAD teaching concept means that the best way to teach students is to reach them, get their attention. They have to have a good attitude to learn. Then a teacher needs to know how the student develops. That is why Judy has written several books and articles from "Research-Based Strategies to Ignite Student Learning: Insights from a Neurologist/Classroom Teacher" to a "Brain Owner’s Manual" to help teachers understand our student's mind. I took from a lot of her research that she believes that students need hands on, activities that will enthuse and enliven your student's minds therefore they will remember what is being taught.

Now What? I would definitely like to read one of Judy's books. She explains things in a very simple way that makes sense and I think her ideas will really help my students. She says that school is becoming a regiment with repetitive memory activities so we need to think of activities that keep them motivated in their learning. She believes that in order for students to remember long term things they have to have their attention captured. She said "Neuroimaging and brain mapping studies reveal the structural changes in the brain that occur when newly learned information is retained in memory storage areas." In order for students to remember it is better for the to relate some how with their prior knowledge and interest.