We recently started James Zull's book From Brain to Mind: Using Neuroscience to Guide Change in Education. I admit to having some reservations about the book when, in the Introduction, the author says
"...without some dramatic intervention, mental capabilities we attribute to the mind will be weakened or lost. If we continue to count on education for development of the mind, we need to change education itself." (p3)
It seems to me that the author is over-dramatizing the state of education - "mental capabilities...will be weakened or lost" - really??
I see evidence of metacognition and growth mindset in classrooms daily. I imagine the author is attempting to make a point to prove his book is worth reading, but comments like this do no justice to the hard work of educators in the classroom who are working to incorporate brain learning strategies in their classes.
The author also states:
"Our goal should be a spontaneous demonstration of habits of mind. We can claim success if learners demonstrate optimism and confidence, proceed to take actions, and ask questions when given a task. This is in contrast to getting it right. The machines will get it right if they are asked the right questions." (p5)
The author is really talking about a type of educating that is on the decline. Even in mathematics, in today's day and age we are less interested in correct answers and more interested in the thought process used to get there. The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) stresses mathematical thinking, reasoning, and sense making over algorithms. Any math teacher interested in teaching mathematics in ways that help students truly understand the standards can simply go to www.nctm.org for information and sample lessons.
I appreciate your feedback and reaction to the introduction. I think that Zull is likely questioning the movement in education toward teaching to standardized tests. However, you are correct that the more recent movement with Common Core especially in math may support deeper learning. I suspect Zull would be surprised by your comments as I took them (and believe he likely meant them) as supportive of teachers like you that are working to actively engage children in learning.
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