I started out by asking "Why?" I knew that it took practice to get information to stick in long term memory. I knew that interleaving and distributed practice over time improved retention. Through 35 years of teaching, I reviewed what worked well and what didn't but I still wanted to know why. Learning from our experiences is vital to becoming better at what we do. Taking time to reflect on what we do and why we do it is an important step in getting the most from our experiences.

But we can always learn more and now neuroscience is offering research which we can use to understand why certain learning tactics work, or don't work. I am not a neuroscience, so I look to others to help interpret the neuroscience research.

The resources listed here include authors who have the gift of providing examples and explanations in ways that are easy to understand and applicable to the teacher and the learner.

"Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler." Albert Einstein.

I utilized ASCD (Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development) as a trusted source in finding materials to get me started.

"How the Brain Learns" by David Sousa (2011)

Dr. David A. Sousa is an international consultant in educational neuroscience and author of 15 books that suggest ways that educators and parents can translate current brain research into strategies for improving learning.

"Research-Based Strategies to Ignite Student Learning: Insights from a Neurologist and Classroom Teacher", by Judy Willis (2006)

Dr. Judy Willis, a board-certified neurologist in Santa Barbara, California, has combined her 15 years as a practicing adult and child neurologist with her teacher education training and years of classroom experience.

"The New Science of Learning: How to Learn in Harmony With Your Brain", by Terry Doyle and Todd Zakrajsek (2013)

"How People Learn: Brain, Mind, Experience and School", National Research Council. (2000)

"Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning", by Brown, Roediger and McDaneil (2014)

Practical and effective learning strategies, including interleaving.

"Mindset: The New Psychology of Success" by Carol Dweck (2006)

Fixed mindset vs. growth mindset and how a particular mindset can affect all areas of your life.

"A Mind for Numbers, How to Excel at Math and Science", by Barbara Oakley. (2014)

This book is written to the student but is also a great resource for educators.

"Mind, Brain and Education Science: A Comprehensive GUide to the New Brain-Based Teaching",(2011) by Tracey Tokuhama-Espinosa

Educational psychology, cognitive neuroscience and education combine to form MBE science and a complete view of the art of teaching.

"Rewire Your Anxious Brain: How to use the neuroscience of fear to end anxiety , panic & worry", by Catherine Pittman and Elizabeth Karle (2015)

"Neuroscience for Learning and Development: How to apply neruoscience & pshychology for improved learning and training", by Stella Collins (2016)

"Small Teaching: Everyday Lessons from the Science of Learning", by James Lang (2016)

"Creating Self-Regulated Learners: Strategies to Strengthen Students’ Self-Awareness and Learning Skills", by Linda Nilson (2013)

"Teach Students How to Learn", by Saundra McGuire (2015)

"Creating Self-regulated Learners", by Linda Nilson (2013)

"How Humans Learn: The Science and Strories Behind Effective College Teaching", by Joshua R. Eyler (20138)

Other Works Cited

Examined Existence. (2015). Retrieved December 28, 2016, from Focused Mode Versus Diffused Mode of Thinking: Why You Need Both: http://examinedexistence.com/focused-mode-versus-diffused-mode-of-thinking-why-you-need-both/

Parker, M. (2015, October 14). Focused and Diffused Thinking. Retrieved December 29, 2016, from SuperThinking: http://www.superthinking.co/focused-and-diffused-thinking/