In the last 20 years, the cognitive sciences have revealed fresh, surprising,
and useful insights into how and why our students learn. Teachers can now
draw on psychology and neuroscience research to supplement, reconsider,
even overturn our traditions and training.
To use this research most wisely, teachers must find our way to an elusive
Goldilocks Zone. Instead of resisting all research-based guidance, we
should be ready to take it to heart – even when it challenges both our
training and conventional wisdom.
Instead of accepting all research-based guidance, we should be ready to
reject it emphatically – especially the hyped-up edu-fads that exaggerate
and misinterpret psychology findings.
How can we get this Goldilocks balance “just right”?
This book offers a specific, practical quest map to discover just such a
balance. By critically examining the source, the research, and ourselves,
teachers can develop the skills necessary to be effective research skeptics.
Written by a teacher with 18 years in the classroom – and 13 years
studying neuroscience and psychology – The Goldilocks Map transforms
brain research from a daunting monologue into an approachable, exciting,
and lively conversation.
