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Updated Edition of Bestseller

The Brain-Targeted Teaching Model

A Framework for Joyful Learning and Leading
Second Edition

Forewords by Tracey Tokuhama-Espinosa and Martha Bridge Denckla

The ultimate guide to creating environments for optimal learning

With all the recent updates and advances in education and the cognitive sciences, it’s crucial that we update and advance how we teach. It is time for our practices to reflect a focus on the way people think and learn rather than solely on the product of that learning.

This new edition of the bestselling The Brain-Targeted Teaching® (BTT) Model effectively bridges science and practice by providing educators and other professionals with a cohesive, six-step pedagogical framework of effective and practical instruction informed by the latest research. Ideal for any setting where learning is a priority, inside you'll discover

  • A step-by-step process for designing learning units that integrate the acquisition of content and skills like creative thinking, problem-solving, and real-world applications
  • An in-depth exploration of the vital relationship between mind and body with a special focus on the role of the arts in cognition and learning
  • Work samples, lesson plans, and "expert practitioner" tips from educators and other professionals who have used the BTT model in their classrooms or workspace
  • New chapters on culturally-relevant pedagogy, parenting and homeschooling, technology and virtual reality, and the use of the BTT Model in research studies worldwide.

Easily applicable to all age levels and content areas, The Brain-Targeted Teaching Model helps you focus on what is proven to work and provides you with the tools and examples you need to apply it with confidence.

Full description

Product Details
  • Grade Level: K-12
  • ISBN: 9781071939833
  • Published By: Corwin
  • Year: 2025
  • Page Count: 344
  • Publication date: April 09, 2025
Price: $39.95

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Review copies may be requested by individuals planning to purchase 10 or more copies for a team or considering a book for adoption in a higher ed course. Request review copy

Description

The ultimate guide to creating environments for optimal learning

With all the recent updates and advances in education and the cognitive sciences, it’s crucial that we update and advance how we teach. It is time for our practices to reflect a focus on the way people think and learn rather than solely on the product of that learning.

This new edition of the bestselling The Brain-Targeted Teaching® (BTT) Model effectively bridges science and practice by providing educators and other professionals with a cohesive, six-step pedagogical framework of effective and practical instruction informed by the latest research. Ideal for any setting where learning is a priority, inside you'll discover

  • A step-by-step process for designing learning units that integrate the acquisition of content and skills like creative thinking, problem-solving, and real-world applications
  • An in-depth exploration of the vital relationship between mind and body with a special focus on the role of the arts in cognition and learning
  • Work samples, lesson plans, and "expert practitioner" tips from educators and other professionals who have used the BTT model in their classrooms or workspace
  • New chapters on culturally-relevant pedagogy, parenting and homeschooling, technology and virtual reality, and the use of the BTT Model in research studies worldwide.

Easily applicable to all age levels and content areas, The Brain-Targeted Teaching Model helps you focus on what is proven to work and provides you with the tools and examples you need to apply it with confidence.

Author(s)

Mariale M. Hardiman photo

Mariale M. Hardiman

Dr. Mariale M. Hardiman is Professor Emeritus at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD. Her work has contributed to advancing the field of neuroeducation through various roles including professor, researcher, school principal, consultant, and author of books, book chapters, journal articles, and multi-media presentations. She founded the Neuro-Education Initiative and the Mind, Brain, and Teaching programs at the Johns Hopkins University School of Education. Through academic courses and professional development, her work connects research from the learning sciences with teaching and learning strategies for professionals in education and related fields. She has conducted pioneering research on the effects of arts integration on long-term retention of academic content. She also examined how knowledge of the learning sciences influences teaching practices and efficacy beliefs. Her National Science Foundation-funded research investigated teachers’ perception of creative thinking strategies and creativity assessments. Additionally, Hardiman’s administrative roles at the Johns Hopkins School of Education include Department Chair, Vice Dean of Academic Affairs, and two appointments as Interim Dean.

In her time as a school principal in Baltimore City, Hardiman developed a teaching framework, the Brain-Targeted Teaching® Model that promotes arts integration and creative problem-solving. Hardiman presents her work nationally and internationally on topics related to the intersection of research in the learning sciences with effective teaching, leading, and learning. Her research on arts integration has been featured in various popular news outlets including the New York Times, Forbes, Psychology Today, Pacific Standard and Southern Living.

Hardiman can be reached at mmhardiman@jhu.edu

Visit her website www.braintargetedteaching.org

Table of Contents

List of Expert Practitioners by Chapter


Foreword to the Second Edition by Tracey Tokuhama-Espinosa, PhD


Foreword to the First Edition by Martha Bridge Denckla, MD


Preface


Acknowledgments


About the Author


Introduction: The Emerging Field of Neuroeducation


Chapter 1: Information From the Neuro- and Cognitive Sciences That Educators Should Know: Separating Neuromyth From Neuroscience

Neuromyth in Education

Important Themes From the Neuro- and Cognitive Sciences That Educators Should Know

Chapter 2: Brain Structure and Function

Brain Facts


Hemispheric Differences


From Research to Practice


Chapter 3: The Brain-Targeted Teaching® Model

Overview of the Brain-Targeted Teaching® Model

Chapter 4: Brain-Target One: Establishing the Emotional Climate for Learning

Neural Systems Underlying Emotion

Effects of Stress on Learning

The Impact of Positive Emotions

Emotions and the Adolescent

Emotions in the Work Environment

Implementing Brain-Target One: Establishing the Emotional Climate for Learning

Chapter 5: Brain-Target Two: Creating the Physical Learning Environment

Attention and Novelty

The Effects of Environmental Features on Attention and Learning

The Effects of Movement on Attention

Chapter 6: Brain-Target Three: Designing the Learning Experience

Cognitive Development and Big-Picture Thinking

Planning a Brain-Targeted Teaching® Learning Unit

Use of Graphic Organizers in the Brain-Targeted Teaching® Model

Chapter 7: Brain-Target Four: Teaching for Mastery of Content, Skills, and Concepts

Learning and Memory

Neurobiology of Learning and Memory

Arts Integration for Mastery of Content, Skills, and Concepts

Pedagogical Strategies for Forming Strong Memories

Brain-Targeted Teaching® Learning Units

Chapter 8: Brain-Target Five: Teaching for the Extension and Application of Knowledge—Creativity and Innovation in Education

21st Century Skills

What Do the Brain Sciences Tell Us About Creativity?

Content Versus Process in the 21st Century Skills Movement

What Does This Mean for Teachers?

Chapter 9: Brain-Target Six: Evaluating Learning: Evaluation of and for Learning

Research to Practice: Evaluation to Enhance Learning

Multiple Kinds of Assessments

Chapter 10: Implementing the Brain-Targeted Teaching® Model in Schools, Workspaces, and Beyond

Brain-Targeted Teaching® Model in Schools and the Workplace: Getting Started

What Does Implementation of the Brain-Targeted Teaching® Model Look Like?

Chapter 11: Culturally Relevant Pedagogy Meets Brain-Targeted Teaching® in Online and Hybrid Learning Environments by Ranjini JohnBull and Mariale Hardiman

Brain-Targets One and Two: The Culturally Relevant Emotional and Physical Environments

Brain-Targets Three and Four: Culturally Relevant Learning Design and Teaching for Mastery

Brain-Targets Five and Six: Culturally Relevant Application of Knowledge and Assessment for Learning in the Real World

Igniting Equitable Online and Hybrid Learning Through the Brain-Targeted Teaching® Model and Culturally Relevant Pedagogy

Chapter 12: Implementing the Brain-Targeted Teaching® Model at Home and Out-of-School Learning by Clare O’Malley Grizzard, Jacqueline Renfrow, and Mariale Hardiman

Brain-Target One—The Emotional Climate for Learning

Brain-Target Two—The Physical Learning Environment

Brain-Target Three—Big-Picture Concepts: Understanding the Why

Brain-Target Four—Teaching for Mastery of Content, Skills, and Concepts

Brain-Target Five—Teaching for Extension and Application of Knowledge

Brain-Target Six—Teaching for Evaluation

Chapter 13: Technology Supporting the Implementation of the Brain-Targeted Teaching® Model by David Toia, Katherine Fu, and Mariale Hardiman

Part 1: Virtual Reality and the Brain-Targeted Teaching® Model by David Toia

Part 2: Technology in Education: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR), and Beyond by Katherine Fu

Chapter 14: Review of Research on the Brain-Targeted Teaching® Model: Evidence From National and International Studies by Katherine Fu and Mariale Hardiman

The Brain-Targeted Teaching® Model in Professional Learning Studies

The Brain-Targeted Teaching® Model in Early Childhood Studies

The Brain-Targeted Teaching® Model in Higher Education Studies

The Brain-Targeted Teaching® Model in Second Language Studies

The Brain-Targeted Teaching® Model in Online Teaching

Applications of Brain-Targeted Teaching®

Chapter 15: Last Words by Mariale Hardiman

The Brain-Targeted Teaching® Model in Teacher Preparation Programs: A Story From a Teacher Educator

Appendix I: The Brain-Targeted Teaching® Model Implementation Checklist


Appendix II: Sample Learning Unit—Hatchet


Appendix III: Sample Learning Unit—Genetics & Heredity


Appendix IV: Concept Maps for the Sample Units Hatchet and Genetics and Heredity


References


Index


Price: $39.95

Review Copies

Review copies may be requested by individuals planning to purchase 10 or more copies for a team or considering a book for adoption in a higher ed course. Request review copy