Upgrade Your Teaching: Understanding by Design Meets Neuroscience

by Jay McTighe, Judy Willis M.D.

How can educators leverage neuroscience research about how the human brain learns? How can we use this information to improve curriculum, instruction, and assessment so our students achieve deep learning and understanding in all subject areas? Upgrade Your Understanding by Design Meets Neuroscience answers these questions by merging insights from neuroscience with Understanding by Design (UbD), the framework used by thousands of educators to craft units of instruction and authentic assessments that emphasize understanding rather than recall. Readers will learn

- How the brain processes incoming information and determines what is (or is not) retained as long-term memory;
- How brain science reveals factors that influence student motivation and willingness to put forth effort;
- How to fully engage all students through relevance and achievable challenge;
- How key components of UbD, including backward design, essential questions, and transfer tasks, are supported by research in neuroscience;
- Why specific kinds of teaching and assessment strategies are effective in helping students gain the knowledge, skills, and deep understanding they need to succeed in school and beyond; and
- How to create a brain-friendly classroom climate that supports lasting learning. Authors Jay McTighe and Judy Willis translate research findings into practical information for everyday use in schools, at all grade levels and in all subject areas. With their guidance, educators at all levels can learn how to design and implement units that empower teachers and students alike to capitalize on the brain's tremendous capacity for learning.

Genres: Education, Nonfiction, Teaching, Neuroscience

186 pages, Paperback

Published April 10, 2019

Reviews

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Agree that nothing was new, but that is okay. This was an effective overview and I was happy to find a resource that used cross-curricular examples appropriate for any age. The glossary was nice for anyone like me who hates materials overladen with professional discourse so I would recommend the book as an intro to brain based learning/UBD without hesitation. The only thing I didn't like was the author's lack of attention to ELLs. This book needed a section highlighting in-school differences (and brain function differences) for those in a second language environment. The model for creating a "brain-friendly" classroom laid out in Ch. 7 would not wholly benefit ELLs at all.

[Matthew Koslowski · Rating 2 out of 5]

I gave this book 2 stars because I'm already familiar with the principles of Understanding by Design (UBD). This book would make a really great introduction to UBD.

If you haven't read Understanding by Design, this would be a good book to read first to build background knowledge on the UBD model and you would benefit from the greater depth of each topic gets in Understanding by Design.

If you have read Understanding by Design, you can safely skip this title. I didn't find enough in it to justify the time.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brain-based research is helping us understand not only how to teach but also how to create a classroom environment that enhances learning. Clarity, relevance, and perceived capacity to be successful frame the work teachers must do when designing learning experiences for students. The ideas Willis brings to the discussion augment the work started by Wiggins and McTighe in their work with UbD. This is an excellent book for beginning and experienced teachers alike.

[lucy Ü · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fascinating read on how to teach in a way that truly engages students and keeps their brains active in your classroom - even when it's 2:30 pm on a friday of a hot summer day!
I recommend all teachers read this book if you want to understand how the brain works and how to actively engage it within your class!!!

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exactly what the subtitle says--this book is a good review of or introduction to both the Understanding by Design curriculum framework and current brain science relevant to education. Further review on my blog: https://kimessenburg.blogspot.com/201...

[Susanna Hargreaves]

Understand how students learn and what they need in order to learn. This isn’t just a philosophy. It is science. Understand the brain and what influences learning. This is a must read for anyone in the education field.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent resource for both teachers and administrators. It is packed with very usable strategies that are based on brain research.

[Sean · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was pretty excited about this one. Unfortunately not enough new content or even enough connection to neuroscience.

[Stephen Haines · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is like Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain Lite. Go read that book instead.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can be a bit dry and sleepy at times, but over all a good philosophy for teaching.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very helpful in making me think about my intention and procedures when designing a unit.

[Katie Keaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book extremely helpful and relevant to my teaching practice.

[Kristen Iworsky]

Some good tips