Brain Research and Learning

Useful publications

Bruer, J.T. (1999). "In Search of ... Brain-based Education".  Phi Delta Kappan, Vol. 80, Issue 9, pp 648.
The dangers of an uncritical application of brain research to the science of learning are highlighted.

Caine, R. N., & Caine, G. (1994). Making connections: Teaching and the human brain. Menlo Park, CA: Addison-Wesley.
Caine, R. N., & Caine, G. (1991).  Mind/Brain Learning Principles.   Seattle, WA: New Horizons for Learning.

D'Arcangelo, M. (Ed.) (1998). "The brains behind the brain", Educational Leadership, Vol. 56, No 3, pp. 20-25
Five prominent researchers discuss critical periods in brain development, memory, emotion, attention and their potential applications to the field of brain-based education.   (This article is not available online but can be obtained by accessing the Document Supply Service of the Cunningham Library at ACER.)

Eisenhower Southwest Consortium for the Improvement of Mathematics and Science Teaching (1997).  How Can Research on the Brain Inform Education?  Classroom Compass, Winter 1997, Vol. 3, No. 2.  Austin Texas: Southwest Educational Laboratory SCIMAST is a project, sponsored by the U. S. Department of Education under grant number R168R50027-95. The content therein does not necessarily reflect the views of the department or any other agency of the U.S. government. 

Hansen, L. & Monk, M. (2002). "Brain development structuring of learning and science education: Where are we now? A review of some recent research", International Journal of Science Education, Vol. 24, No 4, pp. 343-56.
Includes insights from non-invasive brain imaging techniques and possible applications for improving teaching and learning.
(This article is not available online but can be obtained by accessing the Document Supply Service of the Cunningham Library at ACER.)

Masters, G.N. (2003).  Brain research and classroom teaching.  Inform Articles. Sydney: NSW Department of Education and Training.
"New developments in brain research have implications for teaching and lifelong learning", says Geoff Masters.

OECD (2002).  Understanding the Brain: Towards a new learning science.  France: OECD Publications.
The possibility of applying finding from neuroscience to the field of education are discussed, stressing the importance of adopting a trans-disciplinary approach.

Pycha, A.  Finding a Voice: Perspectives on Language Acquisition.

Ruenzel, David.  A report on Ron Brandt's presentation "Brain Research and Effective Teaching"  given at the Brain Connection to Education, Spring Conferece 2000.

Smith, D. (2004)  "They Know What You're Thinking: Why you lie. What turns you on. What makes you buy". Sydney Morning Herald, 9 April 2004.

Wren, S. The Brain and Reading. Austin Texas: The Southwest Educational Development Laboratory.

Inside the Brain - an Interactive Tour -  What happens in the brain of a person with Alzheimer’s disease? This tour explains how the brain works and how Alzheimer's affects it.