Learning Grows: The Science of Motivation for the Classroom Teacher(A Teacher’s Guide to the Learning Brain)

Combining a lively voice with scientific research, Learning Grows explores the fascinating and useful world of student motivation. Written for teachers—and everyone interested in teaching and learning—Learning Grows helps classrooms flourish by fostering students’ intrinsic motivation. Part I delves into Mindset. Although seemingly well known, this theory is often oversimplified and widely misunderstood. By exploring its step-by-step historical development, we can use it more flexibly and effectively to help learners ‘charge!’ when they might otherwise ‘retreat.’ Part II enters the paradoxical world of Stereotype Threat. A surprising cascade of counter-intuitive effects can cause students to struggle in school—not because they don’t care, but because they work too hard. The right classroom strategies block this demotivational pathway, and thereby foster student learning. By interleaving psychology and neuroscience research with dozens of practical classroom examples, Learning Grows makes these two theories both clear and immediately useful. Learning Grows is the second book in the series “A Teacher’s Guide to the Learning Brain.” The first book, Learning Begins, studies the science of working memory and attention.

Table of Contents:
Preface Introduction Part I: Mindset Chapter 1: Starting at the Fourth Step Chapter 2: Second Step: Rehearsing, not Performing Chapter 3: The First Step (at Last) Chapter 4: The Mindset Controversy and FAQs Part II: Stereotype Threat Chapter 5: (De)Motivation and Stereotypes Chapter 6: Changing the Motivational Climate Chapter 7: Assessment and Stereotype Threat FAQs References About the Author Index

About the Author :
Teacher, author, professional development leader, Andrew Watson has been exploring classroom uses of brain research for over ten years. As founder and president of Translate the Brain, he has travelled to 17 states (and four continents) to work with teachers, students, and parents. He edits the Learning and the Brain blog, and speaks regularly at national conferences. Visit www.TranslateTheBrain.com.

Review :
Andrew Watson's Learning Grows: The Science of Motivation for the Classroom Teacher is one of the most profoundly interesting and enjoyable books on teaching I have read in the last decade, at least. Useful to teachers at all points in their career, Watson’s clever, insightful, well supported and often amusing work should be at the top of every teacher's reading list. With clear descriptions of critical research, direct connections to pedagogical practice, and a delightfully conversational style, Watson shows us the how we can make a significant difference in our students’ lives as we set the stage for a learning climate characterized by enthusiastic, motivated learning. Learning Grows invites readers into a refreshing, engaging conversation grounded in brain research that encourages us to be our authentic teaching selves. Watson does not claim to offer a classroom panacea. Instead, he utilizes his ample experience as a classroom teacher, administrator, and scholar to offer insightful strategies for short- and long-term success. Watson’s basic premise is shockingly simple yet so often missed in schools: a motivated (growth mindset) student working in a motivational (anti-stereotype-threat) environment has the best chance to succeed in school. I recommend this book to anyone seeking to make this premise a reality. Learning Grows continues where Learning Begins leaves off, and it is clear that the Watson trilogy (with the eventual Learning Thrives) will form an essential resource for educators. This series is a must read for anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the learning brain. Andrew C. Watson’s timely book guides us on the professional journey we take when we engage with recent discoveries in neuroscience and social psychology…and then make these ideas practical for our classrooms. Andrew affirms that the relational skills of educators are crucial to their success no matter what age they teach. What a powerful book, one that moves the reader to examine the words and actions that promote student motivation, while also asking us to examine our role in de-motivating students. Andrew Watson is a wonderful storyteller and his writing is full of examples and well-curated research studies that will appeal to all who are invested their own growth as teachers. Andrew Watson has a singular ability to translate complex research findings from psychology and neuroscience into readily accessible classroom examples. This book is loaded with practical strategies to propel our students toward embracing the struggle implicit in learning—and also seeing themselves as people who love learning in their own unique way. With great humility Watson suggests new ways to think about teaching and learning. Even though he offers practical advice, he respects the dignity and unique gifts of each teacher by encouraging us not to “imitate” but “translate”. Andrew never goes very long without “practicing what he preaches.” Full of classroom take-aways, Learning Grows clear real-world examples, regular summaries of key points, and intended opportunities to apply and practice.