book review – Education & Teacher Conferences

As We Begin: Dispositions of Mind, Learning, and the Brain in Early Childhood by Tia Henteleff

Erik Jahner, PhD

May 21, 2025

As We Begin: Dispositions of Mind, Learning, and the Brain in Early Childhood by Tia Henteleff

There’s a line quoted in Tia Henteleff’s As We Begin that lodged itself in my brain and hasn’t left since: “The beginning does not just matter during the beginning. The beginning matters to everything that comes next.” It’s such a simple truth, but one that, once seen clearly, transforms how you think about education—and honestly, how you think about life. At its core, As We Begin: Dispositions of Mind, Learning, and the Brain in Early Childhood is a thoughtful, research-driven, and deeply heartfelt inquiry into early childhood education. But this book isn’t just for preschool teachers or parents of toddlers. It’s for anyone invested in how we learn, grow, and become who we are. Henteleff draws from neuroscience, anthropology, pedagogy, and classroom experience. The result is a book that feels both intellectually expansive and personally grounding.

The throughline of the book is the concept of “dispositions of mind”—a term that might sound academic at first blush but is, in fact, beautifully human. These are the emotional and cognitive tendencies we bring to learning—like curiosity, persistence, and openness. Henteleff emphasizes that dispositions aren’t innate but developed through emotionally rich experiences, trusting relationships, thoughtful pedagogy, and environments that prioritize care and inquiry — through adaptive epigenesis.

What struck me most is how Henteleff keeps returning to the emotional foundations of learning—not as fluff or an afterthought, but as the scaffolding upon which all cognition is built. As quoted from Mary Helen Immordino-Yang, “Emotions are not just messy toddlers in a china shop… they are the shelves supporting cognition.” That image alone reframes so much. It reminds us that cognition is built on a foundation of emotional security and relational trust.

The book is divided into three parts: big ideas, foundational knowledge, and practical applications. This structure makes the complex research digestible without dumbing it down. There’s a section on the brain that could easily veer into textbook territory but instead feels like an invitation to understand how both kids and adults learn.

Henteleff is at her most persuasive when she invites teachers to become “teacher/researchers”—not in the publish-or-perish sense, but in the deeply human sense of observing, questioning, iterating. It’s a disposition, not a job title. And it makes the classroom feel like a site of shared inquiry rather than top-down transmission. There’s a humility in this stance that I find both rare and necessary. Teaching is an interactive dance, not a plug-and-play experience.

And let’s talk about play; an entire chapter devoted to the idea that play is not a break from learning—it is learning. She describes play as both research and rehearsal, a phrase that encapsulates her belief in its cognitive and emotional richness. In a world obsessed with achievement metrics, it’s radical to say: let them play—freely, messily, joyfully. That’s where the real work of becoming happens.

When I’m teaching Cognition or Sensation and Perception, I sometimes find myself in a state of flow—just playing with the ideas alongside my students. It’s like we’re all in this giant intellectual sandbox, testing how concepts stick together, finding joy in the rearrangement. That shared play is where deep learning emerges.

I found the tone refreshingly earnest. Henteleff isn’t offering a panacea; she’s offering a lens—a perspective that might feel ambitious or even aspirational in certain contexts. And yet, that’s part of the book’s power. It invites us to imagine what’s possible, not because it’s easy, but because it’s worth striving for. Even when the ideals feel just out of reach, they give us something valuable to aim toward.

If you’re an educator or a parent, this book might help you see your child’s world with fresh empathy. And as a curious human (my favorite kind), As We Begin is a compelling meditation on how we become who we are—together.

In the end, this book isn’t just about children. It’s about the conditions that allow any of us to learn, connect, and grow. And it’s a quiet, passionate argument for building those conditions with intention, compassion, and curiosity. Here’s to staying a little more playful, a little more reflective, and a lot more open to the developing dispositions that new “beginnings” might bring to “what comes next?”

Just Tell Them: The Power of Explanations and Explicit Teaching by Zach Groshell

Erik Jahner, PhD

March 25, 2025

Just Tell Them: The Power of Explanations and Explicit Teaching by Zach Groshell

The sage-on-the-stage is not the enemy. For years, educators have been told that the best teaching happens when students discover knowledge for themselves. Zach Groshell, PhD, turns that assumption on its head. In Just Tell Them: The Power of Explanations and Explicit Teaching, he makes a bold case for something refreshingly straightforward—teachers should teach. Clear, explicit explanations aren’t just helpful; they’re essential. Backed by cognitive science and decades of research, Groshell dismantles the myth that “less teacher talk” means “more learning” and offers a compelling argument for direct instruction done right. His message? Good teaching isn’t about withholding information; it’s about equipping students with the knowledge they need to think critically, problem-solve, and truly understand what they’re learning.

I’ve seen many teachers, myself included, wrestle with the tension between explicit teaching and discovery learning. The belief that students learn best when they “figure it out” on their own is pervasive, but sometimes we may be asking them to construct knowledge without giving them the raw materials? Groshell’s book is a refreshing reality check, and I found myself nodding along as he unraveled the myth.

The book is structured around key principles of effective explanation, each grounded in research and practical application. Groshell starts with an overview of human cognitive architecture—how working memory and long-term memory shape learning—to explain why clear explanations matter. Students aren’t blank slates; they need structured guidance to process new material without overload.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its focus on the worked-example effect, a well-documented phenomenon demonstrating that students learn more effectively when they see step-by-step demonstrations before being asked to apply their knowledge. Groshell explores ways to maximize clarity—eliminating vagueness, using visuals effectively, and reinforcing understanding through interaction. His candid reflections on his early teaching missteps make even the more technical discussions feel relatable and engaging.

Beyond simply telling, Groshell lays out a structured approach to explanation, covering interactive techniques like choral response and student self-explanations, alongside the power of visuals, strategic questioning, analogies, and storytelling to make concepts more memorable. His discussion of erroneous examples, where students learn by identifying and correcting mistakes, is particularly compelling.

A particularly valuable section details the Explain and Release model, which follows the ‘I do, We do, You do’ approach—gradually shifting responsibility from the teacher to the student as they gain expertise. This aligns with cognitive load theory, emphasizing that novices require structured support, while experts benefit from increasing independence. Groshell references the expertise reversal effect, illustrating how instructional methods should evolve as students grow more proficient—moving from explicit guidance to independent problem-solving.

Groshell’s writing is refreshingly candid, filled with humor and engaging insights. He reflects on his early preference for student-led discovery and how he came to embrace explicit teaching as a necessity. As I read, I couldn’t help but think of the countless times I’ve watched students breathe a sigh of relief when a difficult concept was finally explained clearly.

Another key focus of the book is creating the right conditions for explanation. Groshell discusses managing student attention by minimizing distractions, reducing classroom clutter, and banning cell phones to improve focus. He argues that classroom seating arrangements and behavior management directly impact how well students absorb explanations.

For educators who have been told to minimize their role as the sage on the stage, this book offers a persuasive counterpoint. It reaffirms the value of direct instruction while advocating for its thoughtful application—explanations should be clear, concise, interactive, and strategically designed to maximize learning. Groshell’s insights are invaluable for teachers, instructional coaches, and education professionals looking to refine their approach.

Ultimately, Just Tell Them is a must-read for educators seeking to optimize their instructional practices through cognitive science. If students could absorb complex concepts without explicit guidance, would we even need teachers? Groshell doesn’t just advocate for explanations—he makes them impossible to ignore. This is a practical, research-driven, and accessible guide that dismantles myths about teacher talk while empowering educators. After reading this book, you’ll never see explanation the same way again.

Difference Maker: Enacting Systems Theory in Biology Teaching, by Christian Moore-Anderson

Guest Post

January 26, 2025

Difference Maker: Enacting Systems Theory in Biology Teaching, by Christian Moore-Anderson

Today’s book review is by Beth Hawks.

Teaching Science is a Challenge

Science classes cover a massive amount of content knowledge, and it can feel overwhelming finding the best approach to teaching it without feeling like students are merely acquiring a set of disjointed facts.

In the introduction to his book, Difference Maker: Enacting Systems Theory in Biology Teaching, Christian Moore-Anderson sums up the challenge well, when he says, “I’m sure you’ve felt – at some point – that to grasp biology was to master an encyclopedia.”

For some time, he had taught in most of the typical ways, but he felt he was tied to creating resources and activities for students and that students still weren’t seeing the deeper connecting threads of biology.

Time for a Change

As with many things, the move to online teaching during the pandemic motivated him to make a change…because what he had been doing was no longer working.

This concern led him to the world of cybernetics and systems theory; and moved him from a sense of mass knowledge transfer to one of teaching biology from a set of unifying principles.

As he dug even more deeply, he found that he wasn’t just teaching about systems; he was enacting systems theory as a method of instruction. He co-created diagrams with students and engaged them in dialogue to reveal their understanding.

By doing so, he created an interactive feedback loop that allowed him to respond flexibly to student needs.

Model Found in Cybernetics

The book begins with a few chapters of explanation of cybernetics. (Don’t let the terminology of “cybernetics” frighten you. It is not necessary to have a deep understanding of all of these terms.)

After I set aside my mental images from Star Trek of Dr. Noonien Soong creating Data’s positronic brain (my first exposure to the word cybernetics), I was able to see his blending of two aspects of the discipline.

Conversation theory posits that – since meaning is made in the mind of the listener rather than being transmitted by the speaker – we can have a shared understanding of meaning only through dialogue. The teacher explains, but then he discovers what the student heard through conversation.

Moore-Anderson describes doing this through multiple choice questions or open-ended questions; he also acknowledges that it can be done with other methods (e.g. mini-whiteboards, written answers on paper).

The law of requisite variety – When a system is complex, it can only survive if its ability to adapt is equally complex. In other words, there must be a variety of responses to a variety of changes. If a teacher has only a small set of responses when something happens in her classroom, she won’t be able to adapt to the needs of students during a lesson.

He combines these theories into a model of instruction he calls “the recursive teaching model.”

The teacher explains, while the student interprets. Then the student explains what they understand while the teacher interprets. This cycle keeps looping back on itself until they agree on their understanding.

Moore-Anderson provides guidance by opening each section with a key idea and walking through the process of implementation in the classroom. He includes the conversations he has with his students as well as the diagrams he creates with them during those conversations.

Have Students Notice Differences by Predicting Outcomes

After setting up his foundational theory, Moore-Anderson gets to the heart of his new practice: having students perceive distinctions in the concept being taught.

He defines distinctions as “differences that make a difference to the observer.”

As teachers, we often begin with sameness – giving multiple examples of a new concept to solidify students’ recognition of the standard. This strategy, however, shows only the idea itself and not its interaction with a conceptual whole.

Having students repeat similarities in their own words might not give them a full grasp of the influence they have on the biological system overall.

Moore-Anderson argues that we should begin with variations of the concepts so that students can see what difference a change would make. He prompts students to notice these differences (and the difference they make) by posing “what if” questions.

What if someone drinks sea water rather than fresh water?
What if the predator in this ecosystem suddenly disappears?
What if this heart valve were missing?
What if the sugar concentration was increased in this solution?

When students first predict the outcome of a change, and then add those changes to diagrams they create together, they arrive at a shared understanding of each concept. This approach lets them understand in a deeper way than simply explaining how something works and having students paraphrase that explanation.

Moore-Anderson restricts the responses to keep things from getting out of hand by giving choices like, “Will a change in X make Y increase, decrease, or stay the same?” and having students defend their answers.

Practical Examples Inspire Teachers

The true strength of this book for me as a classroom teacher comes from his descriptions of using this method in his lessons.

When Moore-Anderson moves from summaries of cybernetic theories into examples of actual classroom conversations with students, he allows me to imagine implementing his method with my own students.

As a teacher, my favorite education books are those that inspire ideas outside of those mentioned in the writing, and Moore-Anderson does exactly that throughout each chapter. As I read his stories, I was able to picture myself having similar conversations with my students and thought of other topics to which I could apply his method.

Difference Maker gives me a way to think about content delivery rather than prescribing an exact method for me to copy.

Is It for Everybody?

The Difference Maker method might not be equally appropriate in all settings.

I imagined my middle schoolers might find this approach frustrating because they lack the foundational knowledge to make reasonable predictions. On the other hand, I thought my juniors and seniors would thrive with these sorts of classroom conversations.

I trust Moore-Anderson when he says he applies the method in class with eleven year old students, but I’m not sure I would. As with all techniques, success relies on adapting them to your context.

As the title makes clear, this book is intended for biology teachers. Since all biological processes have noticeable cause and effect relationships within systems, that makes sense.

I had a bit harder time recognizing topics in which I might apply it to chemistry and physics. So, I will definitely recommend this book to my biology teacher friend and suggest that he loan it to the environmental science teacher across the hall.

As a chemistry and physics teacher, I might want to have it in the back of my mind as I planned some lessons, because it would provide a way of thinking about how to explain cause and effect. However, I wouldn’t make it a regular practice as Moore-Anderson does with biology. (Did I mention earlier that it is good to adapt to context?)

Can I Be in This Class?

My biggest takeaway from reading Difference Maker is that I would have loved to be in this biology class when I was a student. I would have absorbed more, seen deeper threads, and remembered more. I would have walked away with a better understanding of myself and my relationship with my environment.

Beth Hawks taught middle and high school science for 25 years, serving as the science department chair at GRACE Christian School in Raleigh, North Carolina for 17 years. A graduate of Oral Roberts University, Beth has taught 8th grade Physical Science, Physics, Chemistry, Algebra IB, Health, Photography, and Yearbook. She frequently provided professional development to colleagues in her role as resident brain enthusiast and has now moved into consulting full time under the name The Learning Hawk.

You can hear Beth speak at our Science of Learning conference in NYC in April.

Erik Jahner, PhD

January 21, 2025

Hope for Cynics by Jamil Zaki

When I first picked up Hope for Cynics: The Surprising Science of Human Goodness by Jamil Zaki, I thought, “I’m a hopeful person—why would I want to read about how to not be a cynic?” But as I made my way through the early pages, I realized cynicism had quietly become normalized in my life, and I had missed the signs. It had been parasitically pulling my hope away. Maybe it was the political turbulence of recent years, natural disasters, or the perceived decline of intellectual value, but noticed I was infected with cynicism by a thousand little cuts, unaware of the changes around me.

Reading this book was a revelation. I was surprised to discover areas of myself I didn’t even know needed to find hope again. I was surprised by the personal elevation of cynicism I had begun to imbibe from my culture. Zaki’s insights gave me a renewed sense of self and opened my eyes to the warning signs of creeping cynicism. The book helped me begin a journey back to hope and trust. Like many, I had confused cynicism with skepticism. As Zaki points out, cynicism is a lack of faith in people, while skepticism is a lack of faith in assumptions. Through stories of admiration for a close friend, Zaki found the power of “hopeful skepticism”—a blend of curiosity and love for humanity.

Jamil Zaki challenges the belief that cynicism is a mark of wisdom. Instead, he reveals it as a reaction to disappointment that ultimately harms our mental health, relationships, and society. The book explores the surprising science behind human goodness, offering evidence that people are far more cooperative and honest than we’re led to believe. Zaki shares how our negativity bias and the media’s focus on bad news distort our worldview, leaving us to think the worst of humanity.

Through his artful blend of science and personal storytelling you will empathize with his protagonists and have your curiosity and sense of exploration expanded. Zaki’s research is fascinating, but it’s his honesty and warmth that make it truly memorable. He weaves in stories of friends, historical figures, and his own life, crafting a narrative that feels both intimate and universal. His reflections on how cynicism has affected him—and how hope has transformed him—are deeply relatable.

Zaki doesn’t stop at diagnosing the problem; he provides practical strategies for change. From practicing gratitude to building stronger relationships, his advice is both research-based and actionable. One of the most impactful lessons for me was learning to appreciate the cynics in my life. I realized I could love them more deeply by understanding where their cynicism came from and recognizing their potential for growth, just as I saw in myself.

By the time I finished Hope for Cynics, I felt reinvigorated. Zaki’s hopeful message reminded me that cynicism isn’t inevitable—it’s a habit we can unlearn. While the tips are thoughtfully collected in the appendix for rapid reminders and exercises, this book isn’t just a collection of tips or research findings; it’s a deeply emotional, thought-provoking journey that will leave you questioning your assumptions and embracing the possibility of human goodness.

Hope for Cynics is an invaluable read for teachers, administrators, students, and anyone looking to foster a more positive and productive environment. The book offers practical strategies for overcoming cynicism, which can be especially beneficial in educational settings where trust, empathy, and collaboration are essential. Teachers and administrators can use the insights to build stronger relationships with students and colleagues, promote a more hopeful and inclusive atmosphere, and counteract the negativity often prevalent in modern discourse. Students, too, will find the book inspiring, as it encourages a shift toward a more balanced, optimistic view of human nature, which can enhance their emotional well-being and academic success. By applying Zaki’s insights, individuals in education can create more trusting, resilient communities.

Whether you’re struggling with cynicism yourself or simply looking for ways to foster a more hopeful outlook, this book offers a roadmap to a richer, more connected life. It’s the kind of book you’ll return to for inspiration and guidance—a heartfelt, empowering read that deserves a spot on everyone’s shelf.

Erik Jahner, PhD

December 18, 2024

Honesty by Christian Miller

At first glance, honesty might seem like a straightforward, even mundane topic. When I picked up Honesty: the Philosophy and Psychology of a Neglected Virtue, I wasn’t expecting much—the title suggested a dry, philosophical dive into a concept we all assume we understand. Isn’t honesty just common sense? But from the opening chapter, the author, Christian Miller, intrigued me and continually pulled me deeper. The complications and questions offered important challenge at the individual and societal level. The author masterfully introduces honesty not merely as telling the truth but as a profound and complex character trait—an enduring virtue that influences how we think, feel, and act. What starts as a critique of common assumptions grows into a refined and compelling argument, presenting honesty as an “honest disposition”—a trait defined by consistency across different contexts. Eventually settling in as honesty perhaps as a mixed trait. This nuanced perspective elevates the discussion, moving beyond surface-level ideas to explore the motivations, reasoning, and inner consistency required to truly embody honesty as a virtue.

The first half of the book dives into the philosophical and psychological underpinnings of honesty. One section raises compelling questions about whether acting against what one perceives as morally right could also be considered dishonest. Another challenges traditional models of practical wisdom, questioning its necessity as a distinct trait for other virtues. These discussions are enriched with insights into the motivations behind honest actions—such as friendship, caring, justice, and duty—demonstrating how honesty transcends mere self-interest.

Through this exploration of honesty, the book offers a detailed examination of vices of dishonesty. It highlights how dishonesty manifests in everyday life through behaviors like lying, cheating, stealing, promise-breaking, and self-deception. Each vice has a corresponding virtue, such as truthfulness and respectfulness, which collectively frame honesty as a higher-level virtue. A unifying theme emerges: honesty involves resisting the intentional distortion of facts as we perceive them. This definition evolves throughout the book, as the author refines their argument by presenting premises and challenging them with thought-provoking examples.

The second half of the book takes a more empirical turn, exploring psychological studies on lying, cheating, and related behaviors. While the author notes a surprising lack of research on some facets of honesty, such as promise-breaking and stealing, studies on lying and cheating offer valuable insights. These range from participants reflecting on their everyday dishonest behaviors to controlled experiments involving vignettes or games where cheating and misleading are possible. While these studies don’t provide a complete picture, they shed light on how honesty and dishonesty play out in different situations and how individual dispositions influence these behaviors.

One of the book’s most striking conclusions is that most people do not fully embody either virtue or vice but instead exhibit “mixed character” traits, existing somewhere between honesty and dishonesty. These mixed traits reflect a blend of beliefs and desires that lead to inconsistent yet predictable behavior across situations. For example, a person might believe cheating is wrong but still feel tempted to cheat to avoid failure. Such traits are neither wholly virtuous nor wholly vicious but lie on a spectrum, varying in degree and evolving over time. This perspective moves beyond traditional virtue/vice labels, offering a more realistic understanding of human character.

The book also addresses how external situations can either enhance or suppress the application of honesty as a character trait. It acknowledges the significant gap between our current character and the ideal, emphasizing the importance of aligning thoughts, feelings, motivations, and actions to avoid distorting reality. The author suggests practical ways to cultivate honesty, such as reducing the temptation to cheat, minimizing our inclination to present a dishonest image to others, and fostering self-reflection and honest self-assessment.

Additionally, the book grapples with the complexities of moral decision-making, recognizing that virtues do not always align seamlessly. Honesty can sometimes conflict with other moral priorities, and this tension—along with the acknowledgment of human imperfections—makes the book relatable and profoundly thought-provoking.

In today’s world, where the rapid spread of misinformation tests our commitment to honesty, this book’s insights feel especially timely. It challenges readers to think deeply about how they consume and deliver information, urging us to reflect on the broader implications of honesty in our lives.

Honesty offers a rich, multi-dimensional exploration of this often-overlooked virtue. By blending philosophy, psychology, and empirical research, it provides a compelling framework for understanding and cultivating honesty. Whether you’re interested in moral philosophy, psychology, or personal growth, this book is a thought-provoking and rewarding read that will leave you reflecting long after the final page.

Erik Jahner, PhD

November 21, 2024

Awe by Dacher Keltner

We often center our lives around familiar emotions like joy, sadness, anger, anxiety, or disgust, using them to shape our narratives and interpret experiences. Yet, there’s a whole spectrum of more complex and often overlooked emotions that deeply enrich our lives. Take for instance—that profound mix of humility, wonder, and connection you might feel while gazing at a breathtaking sunset or witnessing an act of pure altruism. In those moments, you’re reminded of how small you are in the grand scheme of things, yet deeply connected to something much larger.

In his thought-provoking book, Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life, Dacher Keltner explores the transformative power of awe and how it can elevate our lives. He invites us to transcend beyond routine and mundane limited attention, helping us find meaning and richness in everyday moments. Through awe, we can reconnect with the beauty of our own story and discover a more expansive, fulfilling way of living.

Keltner, a psychology professor and expert on emotions, defines awe as the experience of encountering something vast and beyond our understanding. Through a blend of personal stories, scientific research, and cultural insights, he reveals how moments of awe—big or small—can reduce stress, spark creativity, deepen our connections, and foster a greater sense of purpose. Research shows that awe lowers cortisol levels, boosting emotional well-being and promoting a sense of calm. It even has physical benefits, like reducing inflammation, improving heart health, and enhancing overall resilience.

At the core of the book, Keltner delves into eight primary sources of awe—universal experiences that resonate deeply with us all:

Moral beauty: Witnessing acts of courage, kindness, or strength that inspire us to be better.
Nature: The breathtaking vastness of mountains, oceans, or a starry sky that makes us feel small yet deeply connected.
Collective effervescence: The electrifying energy of a concert, a sports game, or a shared moment in a crowd.
Music: Those goosebump-inducing melodies that stir our emotions and remind us of life’s depth.
Art and architecture: The beauty of great paintings, sculptures, or awe-inspiring buildings that showcase human creativity.
Spirituality and religion: Moments of transcendence found in mindfulness, prayer, or meditation.
Life and death: The raw emotional power of witnessing birth or contemplating the end of life.
Epiphanies: The sudden clarity of a life-changing idea or realization.

While these categories capture the essence of awe, the emotion itself is profoundly personal and can emerge from countless unexpected moments

Keltner’s writing feels like a heartfelt conversation with a wise friend. He doesn’t just present data; he shares personal reflections, including how awe helped him through moments of grief and loss, making his insights feel real and relatable. Yes, awe can be found in death and grief and we are taken on a journey with the author as he experiences this himself. It was in fact the death of his brother that brought him to appreciate this colorful emotion.

Importantly, Keltner doesn’t shy away from awe’s complexities, exploring how it has been used throughout history to manipulate or dominate. This balanced perspective adds depth to his exploration, reminding us of the need to approach awe responsibly.

One of the most inspiring takeaways is that awe is accessible to everyone. You don’t need wealth or extraordinary experiences to feel it. Awe lives in the everyday: the beauty of the clouds, a powerful piece of music, or a stranger’s small act of kindness. These moments remind us of life’s vastness, offering perspective and a renewed sense of purpose. Teachers, parents, and anyone looking to enrich their lives will find practical ideas, from encouraging kids to explore nature to fostering a sense of wonder in everyday moments.

Ultimately, Awe is a powerful invitation to slow down, pay attention, and savor the beauty and mystery all around us. Whether you’re a teacher hoping to inspire students, a parent looking to create meaningful family moments, or simply someone wanting to feel more connected to the world, this book offers a practical and uplifting guide to living a richer, more awe-filled life.

So why not pause today—step outside, lose yourself in a favorite song or appreciate the beauty of everyday human interactions? As Keltner beautifully illustrates, those moments of wonder aren’t just fleeting joys; they’re transformative experiences that can shape how we see ourselves, each other, and the world.

Hidden Brilliance by Lynn Kern Koegel & Claire LaZebnik

Erik Jahner, PhD

October 21, 2024

Hidden Brilliance by Lynn Kern Koegel & Claire LaZebnik

As parents and educators, we often find ourselves trying to mold children into the expectations of what is “normal.” We fight the wind and we often break a few of our branches in the process. But what if the behaviors we struggle to understand aren’t problems to be fixed, but rather the key to unlocking their unique brilliance? In Hidden Brilliance: Unlocking the Intelligence of Autism, Dr. Lynn Kern Koegel and Claire LaZebnik challenge us to shift our deficit perspective and recognize the untapped potential in children with autism. The authors are not presenting some miracle or hidden jewel, instead, the authors suggest that their strengths are under our noses but we just don’t notice them because we are focused on their lack of fit to our traditional expectations. Dr. Koegel, an expert in autism research, and LaZebnik, a skilled storyteller, combine their expertise to present a deeply insightful book. They emphasize that too often, outdated mindsets, inadequate training, and rigid reliance on standardized testing prevent us from truly seeing the capabilities of children with autism. The authors argue that instead of trying to make neurodivergent children fit into neurotypical molds, we should celebrate and develop their unique strengths, whether it’s extraordinary memory, mathematical skills, artistic talents, or attention to detail. Not every child is going to be judged as extraordinary, but when we emphasize a misfit with tradition we dismiss the innovative perspective and divergent way of thinking that could lead to their success.

The book’s strength is its down-to-earth approach. It’s filled with concise touching, real-life stories of kids who initially struggled with behaviors that seemed disruptive or defiant. Through these narratives, Koegel and LaZebnik show how a shift in perspective can turn frustrating situations into moments of connection and even humor. Perhaps even a game of tic-tac-toe could lead to defiance and exhausting battles about rules or lead to self-discovery and laughter? For parents and teachers, these stories are relatable and inspiring, helping us see how we, too, can foster a more supportive environment for the children in our lives. The authors go beyond theory, offering practical strategies for working with children on the autism spectrum. From improving communication to addressing behaviors often labeled as “disruptive,” the book gives clear, actionable steps. Whether you’re trying to advocate for your child in the school system, find less frustrating ways for them to express themselves, or build a home environment that encourages joy and learning, there are valuable insights here.

By leveraging these strengths, children can experience more success in academics, social interactions, and personal development. The book highlights how this approach can significantly improve a child’s confidence and sense of self-worth. These approaches increase motivation, naturally emerging engagement, and drive. It also provides guidance on creating individualized learning goals that align with a child’s natural talents, helping them not only adapt to the world but thrive in it. Help them make their own path not conform to paths set by others.

One of the most refreshing aspects of Hidden Brilliance is its optimism. It recognizes the challenges that parents and teachers face, but it also advocates for a hopeful and proactive outlook. Rather than focusing on the unknowns of the future, the book encourages us to celebrate the many small victories and stay open to the possibilities of growth and connection. The book resonates deeply with those who have ever felt their child’s potential was overlooked or misunderstood by traditional systems. It empowers parents to trust their instincts and see beyond labels while offering teachers strategies to support each child’s journey toward fulfilling their unique potential.

Overall, Hidden Brilliance is a must-read for parents, teachers, and anyone working with children on the autism spectrum. But … it is also a great guide for parents of all children: there is no “normal” child that conforms to society. Help them find their way, give them feedback that helps them grow not stifles them. This guide looks beyond surface behaviors helping you discover the incredible talents that children with autism possess. With its mix of heartwarming stories and practical advice, it offers a fresh, hopeful approach to understanding autism. Above all, this book reminds us that by embracing a child’s individual brilliance, we can help them shine in a world that too often overlooks their light.

Erik Jahner, PhD

September 17, 2024

Rewired by Carl Marci

In Rewired: Protecting Your Brain in the Digital Age, Dr. Carl D. Marci takes readers on a fascinating journey into how our brains are adapting (or struggling to adapt) in the digital age. According to Marci, our brain wiring is not predetermined but develops extensively outside the womb as we encounter new challenges. He seeks to explain the emerging landscape for brain development by exploring the history of media and advertising, setting the stage for the smartphone revolution. What is our brain becoming? Despite our unprecedented connectivity, many of us feel more isolated than ever. Marci argues that our constant engagement with smartphones and social media is reshaping our brain functions, overstimulating our reward centers, and hindering our ability to form deep, meaningful relationships crucial for our mental and physical health.

Marci delves deep into the concept of neuroplasticity—the brain’s incredible ability to reorganize itself based on our experiences, thoughts, and behaviors. This adaptability can lead to both positive and negative changes in our neural pathways. While technology has the potential to contribute to distraction and emotional distress, Marci believes it also offers opportunities for proactive brain reshaping. By engaging actively in our brain’s development, we can influence its structure and function to support personal growth and well-being. But we need to take control rather than allow the digital landscape to determine our path.

The book is divided into three main parts. Part 1, “Wired: Connected Brains,” explores how the evolution of media and advertising has prepared the ground for the smartphone era. It highlights the prefrontal cortex’s crucial role in managing our interactions and behaviors. Part 2, “Rewired: Assaulted Brains,” addresses the negative impacts of smartphone use, such as diminished attention spans, increased multitasking, and the risk of developing unhealthy habits and addictions. Marci emphasizes the importance of understanding these effects at various life stages. Finally, Part 3, “Beyond Wired: Better Brains,” offers practical strategies for mitigating the negative impacts of digital technology. Marci provides actionable recommendations for enhancing brain health through digital literacy and mindful tech use, advocating for a balanced approach that maximizes technology’s benefits while minimizing its potential harms.

Rewired covers a wide range of relatable topics, from porn addiction and FOMO to the influence of advertising on obesity and self-image. It tackles how passive technology use affects cognition, attention, and mental health, supported by well-researched studies that separate fact from fiction. Marci’s focus is not just on the negative aspects but also on the brain’s remarkable power to rewire itself. By harnessing the powers of neuroplasticity and cognitive control, we can mitigate the downsides and amplify the benefits of our digital environment.

Marci outlines key principles affecting neuroplasticity, such as how mindfulness, self-reflection, and healthy habits positively impact brain function. For instance, mindfulness and meditation can increase gray matter density in areas associated with memory, learning, and emotional regulation. Positive habits like regular exercise and a nutritious diet also support brain health, improve cognitive function, and reduce inflammation linked to mood disorders.

The book also explores experience-dependent plasticity, which is the idea that our brains change in response to specific activities. Learning new skills—like playing an instrument or acquiring a new language—creates and strengthens neural pathways. Marci provides compelling examples of how people with learning disabilities or cognitive challenges can improve their cognitive functions through targeted exercises and therapies.

Moreover, Rewired addresses the role of emotions in neuroplasticity. Positive emotions such as joy and gratitude can enhance brain health, while negative emotions like stress and anxiety can impede it. By fostering a positive emotional state through practices like mindfulness and meditation, we can promote beneficial brain rewiring and improve our overall well-being.

Marci also highlights the importance of social connections in supporting neuroplasticity. Positive relationships and meaningful social interactions are vital for brain development and adaptability. Strong social bonds not only contribute to emotional resilience but also enhance the brain’s ability to adapt and grow.

Overall, Rewired is both a critical examination of our digital habits and a practical guide to achieving a balanced life. Dr. Marci provides valuable strategies for managing technology use and restoring genuine connections. While acknowledging the significant changes brought about by smartphones and media consumption, he shows that with conscious effort and healthy practices, we have the power to shape our brain’s future. The book offers a hopeful perspective on navigating the digital age, providing actionable advice to help us thrive in both our virtual and real-world interactions.

Erik Jahner, PhD

August 22, 2024

The End of Trauma by George Bonanno

When faced with extreme adversity—like violent incidents or life-threatening situations—we often assume that trauma is inevitable and that PTSD will follow. We then may discuss trauma as a chronic and permanent condition: “I am a traumatized individual.” But how likely is it that we’ll actually develop PTSD? And what makes some people able to withstand such events more effectively than others? How often do we have the capacity to build resilience?

In The End of Trauma, internationally recognized psychologist George A. Bonanno challenges the conventional wisdom on trauma, offering a necessary change in how we discuss trauma, understand, and treat it. Especially in the aftermath of events like 9/11 and now the global pandemic, Bonanno argues that trauma isn’t as prevalent as we often believe, and that most people are surprisingly resilient when faced with life’s toughest challenges. This fresh perspective shifts the focus from inevitable trauma to the remarkable capacity for recovery that most of us possess.

What we too often label as PTSD might be a missed opportunity to respect the natural process of adapting to difficult situations. Bonanno, a leading expert in the field, draws on decades of groundbreaking research, balancing personal stories of resilience with cutting-edge findings from psychology and neuroscience. Through this lens, he explains what helps us bounce back, why some people struggle more than others, and how we can all better manage stress when life gets difficult.

Personally, as a university instructor and researcher in Educational Psychology and Neuroscience, I found this to be one I wish I could add to my students’ ever-expanding reading list. Many students enter psychology with the idea that they will label a struggle as a feature or trait of the individual that needs to be respected as if it is a permanent feature of who they are. And when I work with teachers, they often see trauma as a useful label to dismiss student capacity for learning. Both groups are well-meaning, trying to be compassionate but they miss the compassionate and hopeful point that Bonanno is making here. They are reflecting societies potential misunderstandings. Some degree of struggle is natural, and resilience is learned. Yes, there are still extreme situations, but what is often called PTSD or Trauma is often a stage in adapting. This perspective puts teachers and therapists in the supportive role of helping and scaffolding the learner during this developmentally important process. And it puts you in the driver’s seat of your own struggles.

One of the book’s most innovative contributions is the introduction of the flexibility sequence—a model that outlines the mental steps we take to navigate challenges. Flexibility, as Bonanno reveals, isn’t a fixed trait but a natural function of the human mind, one that needs exercise and practice like all skills. By understanding and harnessing this flexibility, we can better understand the roots of trauma and build greater resilience for the future.

Bonanno’s narrative is not just scientifically rigorous; it’s also deeply engaging, gripping your imagination with artful narrative while honoring the impeccable science of resilience. This makes The End of Trauma not only a valuable read for professionals in the field but also for anyone interested in understanding how they and those they support can overcome extraordinary challenges. It prepares you to build resilience with the potential opportunities that struggle presents. Ultimately, the book provides an optimistic, compassionate, and agentic framework for reexamining our approach to trauma, urging us to appreciate our own mind’s capacity for resilience and to use it to navigate life’s toughest moments. Understand, appreciate, build strategies, and prepare to grow.

Erik Jahner, PhD

July 18, 2024

Visual Thinking by Temple Grandin

Many of us think with words, solving problems and imagining scenarios by coding information verbally. Our culture is designed to select and promote people who do this well, but this is not the only way of processing the world. To think so neglects the significant neurodiversity that makes humans (and the animal kingdom) amazing. Temple Grandin’s Visual Thinking: The Hidden Gifts of People Who Think in Pictures, Patterns, and Abstractions invites readers into this neglected side of reality, drawing on her personal experiences and extensive research to explore the unique cognitive styles that shape our understanding and interaction with the world through visual thinking. As a prominent advocate for autism awareness and a leading figure in animal science, Grandin offers a compelling examination of visual thinking’s profound impact.

The journey begins with Grandin’s realization that not everyone shares her ability to think in pictures. She distinguishes between visual and verbal thinkers and introduces two types of visual thinkers: object visualizers and spatial visualizers. Object visualizers, like Grandin, think in detailed images, while spatial visualizers think in patterns and abstractions. The visual learner may struggle to understand what thinking verbally is and struggle to understand why they are seeing the world differently from society’s expectations. She helps you identify ways you might think with some surveys and questions that encourage you to pause and reflect. Surveys that were gleaned from her own research as an intensely curious and scientifically minded individual.

She shows that although the system has selected verbal learning as the gateway to academic success, visual thinking can be a significant asset in fields such as art, design, engineering, and architecture among others. However, she also addresses the challenges visual thinkers face in a society that often prioritizes verbal thinking, especially within the education system. The decline of hands-on learning and the emphasis on standardized testing have marginalized many visual thinkers, hindering their potential and depriving society of their innovative contributions.

Blending personal anecdotes, historical examples, and scientific research, Grandin highlights the importance of nurturing visual thinkers. She introduces a number of historical figures whose stores impacted her development, how she saw herself, and the heights she could reach. She emphasizes the value of diverse cognitive styles and neurodiversity in fostering creativity and problem-solving. Furthermore, Grandin explores the broader implications of neglecting visual thinkers, such as the impact on national innovation and the potential for preventing disasters through their keen attention to detail. She also showcases visual thinkers who have bucked the trend and benefited society, despite not always being valued as they grew up.

Grandin’s writing is both engaging and informative, making complex ideas accessible to a broad audience. Her ability to combine personal experiences with scientific insights creates a compelling narrative that underscores the importance of understanding and valuing different cognitive styles.

Grandin not only identifies problems but also offers solutions, advocating for educational reforms and societal changes that could better accommodate and utilize the strengths of visual thinkers. Her call for a more inclusive approach to education and the workforce is both timely and necessary, urging readers to rethink current systems.

Of course, Grandin weaves in her personal passion for animals. The question of animal consciousness has been debated for a long time, with some scientists and philosophers historically viewing animals as simply reacting on instinct, without the emotional depth of humans. This idea often comes from a bias toward verbal thinking, where language is seen as the key to consciousness. Because animals can’t communicate like humans, they’ve been unfairly dismissed as not having feelings or emotions, leading to their mistreatment and use in harmful experiments.

In the past, studying animal behavior through tests and observations in captivity reinforced this limited view. However, recent studies observing animals in their natural environments have shown they are incredible visual thinkers. They can navigate, communicate, solve problems, and even mourn, proving they have rich emotional lives. This new approach helps us see animals not just as instinct-driven beings but as creatures with deep emotional and cognitive capabilities.

Visual Thinking is a thought-provoking and essential read for educators, parents, and anyone interested in cognitive diversity. Temple Grandin’s unique perspective and deep understanding of visual thinking provide a valuable lens through which to view the world. By championing the strengths of visual thinkers, Grandin makes a compelling case for a more inclusive and innovative society, encouraging us to embrace and cultivate diverse ways of thinking for the betterment of all.

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