Cool Brain Research: Judy Willis

What:
I chose to research Judy Willis. She started researching the effect of what was taught in the classroom and the effect it has on students' long term memories. Most of what she found was a packed curriculum and teaching aimed just for high test scores. When she found this led to students forgetting most of the information, she decided to do more research. She started researching learning-centered brain research and the correlation of this with classroom strategies. She has researched the neural system and has come up with R.A.D., which stand for Reticular activating system, Amygdala, and Dopamin.

So What:
Her research is aimed at student reaching their ultimate potential and not forgetting everything they learned after they have taken a test. She has found new ways of looking at the brain.and how it learns best. With this new finding, she has found ways to help students learn best and have more of a want to learn. Her teaching practices also encourage students to use their heart and mind to do all they can to learn as much as they can.

Now What?
I found Judy's research very helpful and it made a lot of sense. I was not in elementary and high school very long ago, and much of what she found, applied to me. I would study for what was going to be on a test, not really focusing on anything else that was learned. Her new research of the brain open up many opportunities for teachers to better their student. I hope to use this in my classroom, to help my student reach their full potential. I will not teach specifically for a test, but hope my student learn well enough to still do well on their tests. But also, I hope they go beyond the test, and remember everything that was taught.