As teachers, we know that how and when we present information can make all the difference in how well our students understand and remember it. That’s where the concepts of recency and primacy effects come into play, straight from cognitive psychology. The recency effect tells us that students are more likely to remember what they…
Welcome to a journey that transcends the boundaries of traditional learning! In this lesson, we’ll explore the transformative power of a seemingly small word: “yet.” As we navigate through various subjects and life lessons, we often encounter hurdles that seem insurmountable. However, by understanding and applying the concept of “yet,” we unlock a world of…
Memory skills are essential tools for academic success and everyday life. Educators can significantly improve student outcomes by teaching memory techniques. In the next several Brain Builders Workshops, we will focus on developing memory skills for middle school students. These will primarily be in the form of classroom lessons that provide direct instruction on how…
Welcome to the resource hub for Brain Builders Workshop: Teaching Motivation to Middle School Students! Here, you’ll find the downloadable / print-ready documents and handouts associated with the Brain Builders motivational lessons. These resources are tailored to complement the strategies and insights you’ve gained from the book and various blog posts, providing practical tools to…
As we approach the culmination of our personal interest project, it’s time to reflect on the journey we’ve embarked upon and bring our visions to life. Over the next two to three class periods, students will have the opportunity to complete their projects, integrating their personal passions with academic subjects. This phase involves expressing unique…
This lesson should be a lot of fun but you might need a bit of a thick skin while middle school students re-work lessons that they previously found uninteresting. By allowing groups of students to craft new lessons for their classmates, students will discover the joy of learning (and teaching) through interaction and creativity. This…
In a world teeming with curiosity and endless information, the ability to ask the right questions is more valuable than ever. This lesson is designed to guide students through the art of crafting and utilizing open-ended questions to deepen their understanding of any subject matter. By the end of this lesson, students will have practiced…
In this lesson, we embark on a journey to discover how our personal passions and academic excellence can feed off of each other. By exploring the connections between what we love and what we learn, we aim to foster a lasting love for knowledge and a personalized approach to education. This lesson will guide students…
In today’s lesson, we will embark on a journey fueled by our natural curiosity about the world around us. Curiosity drives us to explore, ask questions, and seek answers, leading to profound learning experiences. By harnessing our inquisitive nature, we can uncover mysteries, understand diverse perspectives, and connect meaningfully with the world. This lesson will…
Have you ever been so engrossed in a topic that time seemed to fly by? Whether it’s dinosaurs, outer space, or the latest video game, certain subjects have the power to captivate our attention and ignite our imagination. This lesson will explore the psychological underpinnings of our interests, uncovering the forces that draw us towards…