In a post for Larry Ferlazzo’s Classroom Q&A blog, Larisa Bukalov and I wrote about how David Sousa’s book How the Brain Learns has influenced our math teaching.
We find How the Brain Learns especially useful because it details how the latest neuroscience research should shape instruction. This book contains two important ideas that have made us better teachers. First, Sousa provides evidence that supports our practice of making students feel safe in our classroom. When the brain perceives a threat, it instinctively releases adrenaline, which inhibits cognitive functions and other activity viewed as unnecessary. Students need to feel safe before they are willing to learn. Second, we always try to connect new information presented in our lessons with who and what students already know. Sousa’s book provides evidence that supports our approach. When students make these connections, their brains can process and retain the information more easily.
The complete article is here: https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/opinion-5-books-that-have-inspired-teachers/2025/04