behavior

Keeping Children Open For Growth And Learning

Just as a cell is either “open” or “closed,” our children are either closed for protection or open for growth and learning. How we interact with kids goes a long way in determining if they remain open and ready for learning. Continue reading

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behaviorism

Skinner’s Radical Behaviorism

A reader posted a comment in response to a previous Funderstanding article about Behaviorism. The reader suggested we differentiate between the theories of John Watson and B.F. Skinner. Below is a more detailed summary of radical behaviorism in response to our … Continue reading

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child development

Jean Piaget: Cognitive Development in the Classroom

Every experience and interaction has an impact on development in early childhood. Swiss biologist and psychologist Jean Piaget recognized this when he studied and researched his own theories of cognitive development. Some of his research led to the belief that … Continue reading

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intelligence tests

How Intelligence Tests and Studies Helped Jean Piaget

While Jean Piaget, the famous Swiss biologist and psychologist is revered in some social circles, he is not very popular in others. Read on to learn fact from fiction about one of psychology’s well-known pioneers. How It All Started For … Continue reading

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constructivism

Poetry and Constructivism, and Better Learning

A reader from India posted a question on our Constructivism page, asking how constructivism would be applied to a poetry class. Let’s imagine that a teacher were interested in teaching students the poetry of Shakespeare. Constructivism would challenge the teacher to: assure … Continue reading

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Brain Based Learning

Using Natural Learning to Teach Basic Math

One way to substantially raise standards across the board is to identify and tap into learning capacities of students that are not already being used. Natural learning (formerly “brain based learning” as we originally defined it) is beautifully positioned to provide guidance. The reason? Natural learning takes for granted that… Read More


Brain Based Learning

The Three Elements of Great Teaching

The 12 Brain/Mind Learning Principles describe several processes that are all happening at the same time.  The body is active.  Senses are engaged.  Students are searching for meaning and trying to understand.  The way that they connect with others powerfully influences what they are thinking and feeling.  And so on.… Read More


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