In my second blog post, I will critique two articles related to brain-based research. Both authors caution readers that the field of educational neuroscience is in its infancy and that there is much work to be done in order create a strong research foundation that will allow for the practical application of the knowledge gained and that can only happen when science and educators collaborate. 
In his article, “Brain Based Learning a Reality Check,” Jensen provides us with an overview of the complaints about brain-based learning (2000). He cautions educators to be careful in how they interpret and ultimately use research linking brain science and teaching and learning by stating that brain research doesn’t prove anything about educational practice but instead may suggest a particular pathway. In his article he lists research that he believes has important implications for learning, memory, schools, and staff development. Following is a sampling of the research he includes in this list: the spatial brain, the plastic brain, the adaptive brain, the computational brain, the hungry brain and the list goes on. In the last section of his article he discusses the future of brain based learning and states that although brain based research is in its infancy there is much to be gleaned from what we have thus far learned about brain research and to ignore it would be irresponsible.
The second article entitled “The Future of Educational Neuroscience,” (Fisher, et al) also discusses some of the same ideas that Jensen talks about related to myths and distortions of some of the popular conceptions of brain and genetics (2010). However, the crux of his article is focused more on the need for scientists and educators to work collaboratively to construct a foundation that integrates research with practice that will ultimately result in usable knowledge that educators can put into practice. The article discusses the infrastructure need to achieve this as well as obstacles to moving forward.
Jensen E. Brain-Based Learning: A Reality Check. Educational Leadership [serial online]. April 2000;57(7):76. Available from: Education Research Complete, Ipswich, MA. Accessed September 16, 2013.
Fischer, K. W., Goswami, U., & Geake, J. (2010). The Future of Educational Neuroscience. Mind, Brain & Education, 4(2), 68-80. doi:10.1111/j.1751-228X.2010.01086.x
cindy mortenson 