About Learning

I simply like this quote and want to share...

'The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.' B.B. King

100 Billion Reasons to Be Grateful!

Want to know more about learning and the brain? Check out our short YouTube video 'Welcome Video & Brain Based Teaching Fact #1' which features BrainSMART's Marcus Conyers from the Orlando Science Center.

Living Wellness

In our graduate studies we have long recommended www.webmd.com as a reliable source on key areas including exercise, nutrition, optimism and other factors that empower all of us to achieve more of our potential. Check it out!

Aspen Brain Forum # 5: Neural Prosthetics Powered By Glucose for the Future

We really enjoyed hearing Rahul Sarpeshkar speak about his exciting work at MIT. His research is about creating brain/machine interface systems for the deaf and blind that could be powered by the bodies own glucose supply for the future.

Aspen Brain Forum # 4: Adult Neurogenesis

Professor Gage, the leading expert on adult neurogenesis, was thrilled to hear that we begin our live events and graduate programs with research showing that adult brains can create new cells. We shared that as educators learn that their own brains have tremendous potential both to create new connections and produce new cells across their lifespan, they are inspired to enhance their own learning. As some of our teachers have said, "It is no longer true that you can't teach an old dog new tricks!" Marcus also explained to Fred Gage that after he had shared this research and some learning strategies with his own mother, that she began taking art classes in her 70s and through hard work with an excellent teacher has had her work featured in an international art publication. Fred Gage then said "Give my congratulations to your mother!"

Aspen Brain Forum #3: People with paralysis control robotic arms using brain-computer interface | Brown University News and Events

Marcus and Leigh had a delightful dialogue at the Aspen Brain Forum where they exchanged excitement about the work they are doing. Leigh was discussing positive results from research on brain and machine  interface For more on this exciting work out of Brown University go to ...

People with paralysis control robotic arms using brain-computer interface | Brown University News and Events

Aspen Brain Forum: Post 2

We have heard David Van Essen from Washington University in St. Louis who spoke about the systematic exploration of human brain circuits in both wellness and disease. He spoke specifically about the Human Connectome project consortium with healthy adults. This project will include 1,200 individuals including twins and non-twin siblings. The speaker indicated that resulting data that should yield valuable information about the healthy human brain and will be made available to the neuroscience community.

Aspen Brain Forum: Post 1

We are currently writing from the exciting conference 'Cracking the Neural Code' This morning we heard Christof Koch from the Allen Institute for Brain Science in WA speak about the 10 year project to study principles that explain how information is encoded, processed, and represented in the mammalian cortex and other related structures. This effort explores visual perception, consciousness and decision-making in the mouse. The goal is to integrate knowledge so as to better understand the wiring of the cortex at both functional and structural levels.

Wishing You A Great New School Year!

Each year of my life for decades has brought excitement in August and beginning September with the beginning of a brand new school year! First as a young elementary aged child I anticipated both fun reconnecting to friends as well as learning of new knowledge and skills and, yes fear of failure. Would I be able to succeed?  Would my friends be in my class? Would my teacher help me learn? Now as a teacher educator and learner I am honored to know many teachers who make a positive difference in the lives of students each day. As the 2012-2013 academic year begins, we wish teachers across the country all the best and look forward to communicating with you throughout the year ahead. It is YOU who are creating our collective future through your exemplary teaching. Thanks for all you do!

Aspen Brain Forum

Today Marcus and I are preparing for our trip to Colorado tomorrow. We will be at the Aspen Brain Forum this next week where we will connect with neuroscientists from around the world. The title of this forum is 'Cracking the Neural Code' and promises to be an exciting conference! Last year at the Aspen forum we were delighted to connect with some of our students.

Reading Today Article

If you, your school or district have a membership to International Reading Association journal Reading Today online check out this reading strategy...happy reading! 


Training The Mind's Eye: “Brain Movies” Support Comprehension and Recall. Donna Wilson. Article first published online: 9 JUL 2012. DOI: 10.1002/TRTR.

Teaching Students to Become the Boss of Their Brains

Greetings, All. 

If you copy and search the following, you should find my short article about helping students become more metacognitive and able to learn to be independent learners. 

www.learningresourcenetwork.net/topics/attention/kids-can-be-the-boss-of-th...