The Teaching Brain: An Evolutionary Trait at the Heart of Education Hardcover – Illustrated, November 11, 2014

This is an important book, even revolutionary, for teacher education and training. It should be required reading in all teacher preparation programs, not only in the United States, but around the world.Etymologists used to wonder whether the word education was derived from the Latin “educere,” meaning “to draw from” or “educare,” meaning “to put in.” Rodriguez and Fitzpatrick show us that education is much more involved than drawing from or putting in. This book will help all teachers, whether they are in a traditional academic setting, teaching a child to ride a bike, or a teenager coaching his grandparent on the intricacies of an Android phone. The Teaching Brain deciphers the subtle nuances of the teaching-learning process and explains how the activity can be better informed and thus more productive.The authors’ systems theory framework (Chapter 4) for teaching involves the teacher, the learner, and the interaction between the two. Such a system’s approach illustrates how the parts interact, and how they affect one another. This methodology allows for changing inputs and interventions that guide changes and improve outcomes. As the authors indicate, feedback is the driving factor affecting the system. There are important suggestions for curriculum development, matching teachers with students, teachers and schools, and exploring content areas with specific types of learners and teachers.This is a significant book for all teachers (as well as those who supervise and evaluate teachers) whether they’re at the beginning, in the middle, or toward the end of their teaching careers.The book has key implications for in-service training for teachers in all educational institutions, wherever they may be. Every teacher will benefit from Chapter 8, Your Teaching Brain. The questions are designed to help teachers recognize particular traits about themselves, and what influences their teaching.The authors have set future educational research on a path. There are extraordinary consequences for future research in psychology, sociology, pedagogy, and the burgeoning new field of neuroscience. The Teaching Brain is a foremost book for all who value teaching, learning, and how the mind works.Patrick Soper

I believe this book has the potential to carry important thoughts to the reader. It observes pedagogy as a logical system and teachers and students as parts of that system, acknowledging every part of the system as a human individual with its own context that affects the functioning of the system as a whole.I disagree with the approach by which the writers aim to offer concrete guidance for the reader although the tools they offer are written down with best intentions. I believe my view is affected by my differing sociocultural context as I'm a member of a different nation.All in all, the book was worth my time.

This book is a wonderful use of neuroscience and educational know-how to create a revolutionary theory for teaching. In a field filled with neuroscience that is removed from practical understanding, and traditional "how-to's" that have simply been rebranded with a picture of a brain, this book stands out as a refreshing leap forward. In Rodriguez, we clearly hear the voice of a masterful teacher who has an impressive understanding of her students and herself. When combined with her knowledge of neuroscience and theories of learning, she is able to introduce a truly inspiring way to look at teaching. There is a thoughtful balance of amusing anecdotes and sophisticated information that makes this book accessible for anyone who is interested in teaching - not just professionals, but parents, coaches, supervisors, or really anyone.

I was incredibly excited about this book, but the subtitle is completely misleading. There is no hard science here. In fact, some of the "scientific" claims are just false (such as no animals having theory of mind). Her central "insight" is that teaching and learning is a relational, two-way street. I did not need to spend money to be told that.If you want a book that tackles what I think Rodriquez is trying to say about teacher development, read Peak by Anders Ericsson and Robert Pool. That book has much better evidence, a real theory of learning, and can be applied to any skill one wants to develop including teaching.Do NOT buy Rodriquez's book because it is not worth the time or money.

A good primer or supplement. Not quite what I was looking for re: neurology of brain - but a good primer or supplement for a teacher or parent.

For too long, we have have ignored the importance of context and interaction in teaching or focused exclusively on the learner side of the interaction.

Eye opener, no doubt.

Excellent new perspectives - Hear the author on Bob Greenberg's Brainwaves videos- on You Tube