Cool Brain Research Reflections

What?
Merilee Sprenger has just released a book titled, “How to Teach so Students Remember.” Sprenger outlines a seven-step plan teachers can use to help their students understand and learn the information. Upon learning this information students should also be able to remember this information beyond any assessment. The seven steps include ideas such as engaging the students in the learning process, connecting new information with what the students have already learned. Another important step is to speak to the students in their language, if we start using vocabulary unfamiliar to out students they will cease to listen. Sprenger also discusses the need for appropriate assessments, which will aid in the retention of information by the students.

So What?
Merilee Sprenger has been in the education field her entire life and has incorporated her knowledge of neurology and education to help us understand how a student learns. This is extremely important, Sprenger has been on the frontlines of education and has obtained the necessary knowledge to aid teacher in their quest to teach their students. I personally find it easier to listen to the advice of someone who has faced the everyday challenges of teaching the children to a scientist who has never spent a full year with a classroom to see what really works.

Now What?
After researching Merilee Sprenger I am very interested in purchasing her most recent book mentioned above. I feel she would be a great asset to my overall methods as an effective teacher. Understanding the brain functions of the students and what they are capable of are very important when determining lesson plans and strategies