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Book reviews
Book reviews How We Learn
The New Science of Education and the Brain
S. Dehaene
Stanislas Dehaene is a Professor of Experimental Cognitive Psychology and one of Europe’s leading neuroscientists. For over thirty years, he has been studying how education changes our brains. In this book, he provides an overview of the latest research into issues including: what learning is; how our brain learns; and reconciling education and neuroscience. He proposes seven definitions of learning and provides an overview of current theories into how the brain develops and acquires knowledge. Dehaene identifies four pillars of learning as essential to teaching: attention – the teacher’s role in directing this in their lessons; curiosity – nurturing a curious, playful
mindset; feedback – how learning from mistakes can be a positive experience for students; and consolidation – the role of routines, repetition and sleep in helping form more permanent memories. This leads him to draw a number of interesting conclusions about how we learn most effectively and the implications for classroom practice. This book will be of interest to those who want to learn more about current research into “the learning brain” and how this should inform more effective teaching practices in all settings. There are some particularly compelling observations on research into the impact of access to an enriched early childhood environment and curriculum.
Allen Lane £25.00 ISBN: 978-0-241-36646-2
Body Image in the Primary School
A Self-Esteem Approach to Building Body Confidence (second edition)
N. Hutchinson and C. Calland
This is the second edition of a popular publication that previously won a government award, with lessons highlighted by Ofsted as providing evidence of good practice. The authors are teachers and education consultants with extensive experience in children’s behaviour, mental health and wellbeing. Their expertise has been shared at national level, as well as with universities, schools and parents.
The book includes over 60 detailed and engaging lesson plans that cover the age range 4 to 13, with additional lessons on gender, social media and the “selfie” culture. There are also links to research relating to body image, academic achievement and emotional wellbeing.
Topics covered include: body image in children; the body image curriculum; guidance for schools; transition; and involving parents and carers.
A David Fulton Book (Routledge, Taylor Francis) £23.99 ISBN: 978-0-367-18842-9
SEN106
This book is an inclusive and supportive publication that addresses important issues that affect many children today in terms of how they feel about themselves and their perceptions of how others see them. It will be useful to teachers, therapists and other professionals in structuring teaching and support in a field that is increasingly important given concerns about bullying, obesity and social media.
senmagazine.co.uk
