Johns Hopkins launches brain-based teaching initiative

Maybe it’s the science teacher in me, but I find studies about learning and the brain fascinating. Turns out I’m not alone. EdWeek reported recently that Johns Hopkins’ Brain Science Institute and Education School are collaborating on a new Neuro-Education Initiative to help teachers make sense of neuroscience research and how it might be applied in their classrooms — and to help them avoid over-applying new research ideas.

“We want to be correct within the research and not stretch it,” Ms. Hardiman [co-director of the Initiative] said. “And we want to give people the grounding. If they see a product that says your kids can improve their executive function, we want them to know, what is executive function?”

Johns Hopkins will offer a graduate specialization in Mind, Brain, and Teaching as part of this new initiative. Mariale Hardiman, JHU’s adviser for the new specialization, told me that some or all of the courses will be available on-line so that educators from other parts of the country can participate.

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