Uncommon Sense Teaching: Practical Insights in Brain Science to Help Students Learn

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars | 483 ratings

Price: 15.75

Last update: 03-04-2025


About this item

A groundbreaking guide to improve teaching based on the latest research in neuroscience, from the best-selling author of A Mind for Numbers.

Neuroscientists and cognitive scientists have made enormous strides in understanding the brain and how we learn, but little of that insight has filtered down to the way teachers teach. Uncommon Sense Teaching applies this research to the classroom for teachers, parents, and anyone interested in improving education. Topics include:

  • Keeping students motivated and engaged, especially with online learning
  • Helping students remember information long-term, so it isn't immediately forgotten after a test
  • How to teach inclusively in a diverse classroom where students have a wide range of abilities

Drawing on research findings as well as the authors' combined decades of experience in the classroom, Uncommon Sense Teaching equips listeners with the tools to enhance their teaching, whether they're seasoned professionals or parents trying to offer extra support for their children's education.

This audiobook includes a downloadable PDF of charts and illustrations from the book.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.


Top reviews from the United States

  • Forrest B.
    5.0 out of 5 stars The best book on learning
    Reviewed in the United States on January 19, 2025
    So far this is the best book on learning and teaching that I have found. It goes into great detail on the hows and whys of teaching and learning. I am currently using this book to develop a learning workshop at the school that I teach at.
    Customer image
    Forrest B.
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    The best book on learning

    Reviewed in the United States on January 19, 2025
    So far this is the best book on learning and teaching that I have found. It goes into great detail on the hows and whys of teaching and learning. I am currently using this book to develop a learning workshop at the school that I teach at.
    Images in this review
  • Cass
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good book!
    Reviewed in the United States on December 5, 2024
    Ordered this for my daughter who wanted it and she said it was an excellent read!
  • Amazon Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars A Good Refresher
    Reviewed in the United States on June 24, 2023
    I’ve been teaching 17 years and have learned most of this either back in college, PDs, or figured it out myself over the years. The brain research aspect in the beginning was very interesting though. While reading, I was constantly thinking of how I could apply the information in new ways. There were some great application examples of techniques I used in the past, but had forgotten about.
  • C
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great info for teachers, or anyone dealing with kids. Easy to understand explanations
    Reviewed in the United States on June 20, 2021
    This book is a collaboration by three authors; Barb Oakley and Terry Sejnowski, creators of the popular course “Learning how to Learn,” and Beth Rogowsky, a lifelong educator and expert in behavioral neuroscience. The goal of the book is to give teachers new insights into how we learn, by using the latest neuroscience and cognition research.

    The book is written using basic language, and oversimplified examples, so that it should be fairly easy to understand even if you have no familiarity with the concepts at all. At first I was surprised by these elementary explanations; in fact many concepts are explained with pictures and analogies that I might use if I were explaining these ideas to children. Later I understood why the authors took this approach, because they actually recommend using some of the same images and analogies to explain certain ideas to your students. This seems like a good idea, because you can't teach children something if you don't really understand it yourself; and they have made this information easy to understand.

    Each chapter starts by introducing concepts, and giving the reader information about an aspect of how we learn and remember. Then there are specific activities and strategies suggested to use with your students. There are also general teaching tips listed, that have something to do with using the information on a daily basis. Each chapter ends with a review list of key ideas in the chapter, to highlight the most important concepts.

    There are ten main chapters, covering many different topics, including: simple anatomy of neurons, long term memory vs working memory, retrieval practice, active learning, declarative and procedural pathways, procrastination, habits, collaborative learning, online teaching, and lesson plans. Again, teachers should not be intimidated by the names of these concepts, even if they are unfamiliar, because everything is thoroughly explained in simple terms.

    Overall, I think that this book is a valuable resource for teachers, or anyone that deals with children. Using this information can help you come up with new ways to reach your students, and keep them engaged and learning. I appreciate the authors work in breaking down some advanced neuroscience into simple language and useful activities, so it is easy for teachers to use right away.
  • ana saborido
    5.0 out of 5 stars Muy interesante para estudiantes y profesores. Fácil de leer y con aspectos prácticos
    Reviewed in the United States on August 30, 2024
    Muy interesante para estudiantes y profesores. Fácil de leer y con aspectos prácticos
  • Shane
    5.0 out of 5 stars If you care about teaching well…
    Reviewed in the United States on July 28, 2021
    We all teach and we all learn, whether it be as a parent, coach, or manager, then this book is for you. It tries to be as clear as possible and give practical advice, I think it does quite well.

    For example, when you’re trying to teach someone should you lecture/talk at them for an hour or have them do some sort of active learning/immersive learning. Neither, you should intersperse and alternate blocks of each, and if you have complete control they should be in ten minutes blocks.

    I’ve already used it to help my team learn about healthcare and how to teach my daughter to ride her bike.
  • hannah
    5.0 out of 5 stars Must-read for teachers!
    Reviewed in the United States on November 13, 2023
    I teach piano pedagogy and have my ALL students read this book!! It’s so great for teachers!!!!!
  • Tommy
    3.0 out of 5 stars Informative
    Reviewed in the United States on May 1, 2024
    If you’re a teacher this’ll be more in the four stars bracket, especially if you’re new. If you’re just curious how to optimize your learning. It gives a few insights on how your brain works as it grasps a new concepts. The diagrams with how the neuron changes as you learn is pretty fascinating. The 50 or so pages of this book (2 chapters) are really for teachers. At the end of each chapter are also ideas and practices on what you could do as a teacher. Again really helpful if you are, extra page padding if you you’re not.

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