Toward a New Understanding of Intelligence
It’s time to throw out our old mental models of intelligence and start to embrace what David Shenk in his popular book of the same title, “the genius in all of us.”
When Brain Training Works – Points of Controversy
Pre-publication publicity for a new book on the value of brain training claims that there are 5 conditions that make it effective. While this discussion surfaces some important considerations, it is likely to disappoint anyone who adheres strictly to the five conditions. Here’s where the advice falls short.
The Mystery of Reading Comprehension
Many students can read a passage, but afterwards are unable to tell you what they read. Or perhaps they can answer simple factual questions (regurgitate), but it really has no meaning for them and will be forgotten the next day.
Five Tips for a Better Brain
Just about every adult I meet wants to know how to strengthen their perception, thinking, and acuity. I believe in practicing what I preach, so here five things I practice on a daily basis. Our brains become what brains do ...
Deal with the Big Rocks First … Prioritizing
Have you ever noticed that some people just drift through life dealing with each problem as it comes along and then wonder where all the time has gone, and why
Cognitive Skills Development in an Accelerated Curriculum
Much of our work has dealt with helping struggling students — those who are behind or have identified cognitive deficits — but it is important to remember that very bright
Closing the Achievement Gaps: The Need for a Cognitive Intervention
The remediation statistics are sobering. Over half of students who enroll in 2-year colleges take remedial courses in English and/or math. Almost 20% of those enrolling in 4-year colleges do
Thoughts on the Value of President Obama’s BRAIN Initiative
The BRAIN Initiative announced recently by President Barack Obama has underscored the importance of better understanding brain-behavior relationships and it holds potential for deeper knowledge of the mechanisms involved in the
Questions to Ask Your Chronically Stressed Students
This morning I sat in two middle-school inner-city classrooms in Indianapolis, as I do most weeks. But today, something struck me deep in the center of my chest as I
Scientists Can’t Find Specific Genes for IQ
Recent research has shown that, while intelligence is believed to be partly genetic, the specific genes that were thought to be linked to intelligence are not. And, in fact, of