Brian Pack

Engaging the Brain Brian Pack

Excerpts

Young people are starving for validation, to be relevant, liked, and part of the group. It becomes a powerful catalyst, therefore, to foster engagement, and consequently impacts brain chemistry. The prefrontal cortex-midbrain connection is repeatedly stimulated resulting in the growth of dendritic connections in the neural network. When the validation is part of an academic function, it affects the brain's memory and analytical regions bolstering long-term mastery of subject matter and skills.

Schools that include well-structured team-based assignments and student-led discussions, coupled with gross movement, hand-eye, and cardiovascular activities significantly maximize cognitive functionality in children.

Neuroplasticity is stimulated in a validating environment, and students gain a sense of empowerment, become alert and engaged, perceive ownership as they manipulate the knowledge flow.

Reviews

This is very impressive and right on the mark, super informative and intriguing. This presentation and program can go a long, long way in reforming education and bringing schooling into the 21st century.
Michael Koren, National Council of Social Studies Teacher of the Year

This is an excellent resource for teachers who wish to invigorate the learning experience and make their classrooms an interesting place where students thrive rather than merely endure the class. The special stress on active learning encourages students to take control of their education and promotes a stronger and more rewarding learning dynamic.
Christopher Chan, Professor of English Studies, Marquette University

Very impressive work. Solidly based with research studies yet exceptionally well-written in an easy to read, conversational style. It is an excellent book, thoughtful, thought-provoking.
Bob Sylwester, Professor Emeritus Educational Psychology, The University of Oregon

Energy and commitment to this book, the research and scholarly references, as well as the fine quality of the writing style are beyond those of a single or even dual discipline author. An amazing work across disciplines (science, education, language).
Carolyn Stephens, Emeritus Professor English and Literature, Concordia University Wisconsin

This is quite developed. I love the stories of success in the classroom with this innovative teaching style, followed up with basic or applied science that justifies the highlighted pedagogy. Very exciting and well-produced. It's fascinating that good learning goes hand in hand with "pleasure." All the more relevant this notion is for youth.
James Topitzes, Associate Professor Social Work, University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee