Mindleap: A Fresh View of Education Empowered by Neuroscience and Systems Thinking

In this thoroughly-researched and exquisitely crafted treatise, Jim Brown synthesizes the newest understandings in neuroscience, developmental psychology, and dynamical systems theory for educators and others committed to nurturing human development. He explains complex concepts in down-to-earth terms, suggesting how these understandings can transform education to truly engender optimal learning and intelligence. He explores the nature of consciousness, intelligence, and mind. Brown then offers a model of optimal human learning through life-long brain development within a supportive culture--drawing on the work of Piaget, Erickson, Maslow, Kohlberg, and Steiner--and how that work is being vastly expanded by neuroscience and dynamical systems thinking.

Review :
As someone who has been both excited by the rapid expansion of the scientific knowledge base in areas such as neuroscience, physics, biology, developmental psychology, systems thinking and consciousness, but also overwhelmed at the explosion of research and publications, this book is a godsend. It integrates much cross disciplinary material to address critical human developmental and learning processes. As an educator myself, I am already applying my new understandings in my teaching and training. - David Lukoff, PhD, Professor Emeritus of Psychology Sofia University, Palo Alto, CA. Mindleap is a breath of fresh air. Jim Brown has introduced a radically different approach to education, asserting that the current system is overly linear and reductionistic. He proposes an educational system based on current evidence from the neurosciences and insights from chaos and complexity theory. The educational reform he advocates would not only foster creativity but would help students thrive in a world that is neither linear nor reductionistic in nature, a world that is becoming more complex with each decade. Bravo to this author for his insight and prescription! - Stanley Krippner, PhD, co-author, Personal Mythology, co-editor, Varieties of Anomalous Experience Mindleap reveals how the innovative methods of neuroscience can be applied to create a system of education that is better able to meet the challenges of our accelerating world. Brown invites not only psychologists, educators, graduate and post-graduate students to explore this new model of thinking, but it also encourages other seekers and creators to join together in shaping a culture of life-long learning. He is a generous writer, passionate about translating complex systems of thought into a relatable scientific-poetic style. - Susan S. Scott, PhD, Jungian Analytical Psychology practitioner, Author of Healing with Nature.