The Science of Learning Blog

The Truth About Video Games and the Brain: What Research Tells Us

Thu, 9 Feb 2012 24:00:00 PST

Are there beneficial effects of video games? Learn what current research tells us about video games and the brain.

One Short Month, Five Great Education Webinars—Register Today!

Tue, 7 Feb 2012 24:00:00 PST

Our February webinar series focuses on early childhood development, K-12 funding sources, and maximizing the benefits of time spent reading. Register today!

In Independent Study of Fast ForWord, Sixth-Grade Students Exceed Expected Gains

Thu, 2 Feb 2012 24:00:00 PST

VIDEO: This independent study from Bulloch County, GA, demonstrates significant gains by sixth graders—on or above, and below grade level—after using Fast ForWord software.

Tomorrow is Digital Learning Day – Don’t Miss It!

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 24:00:00 PST

Did you know that February 1 is Digital Learning Day? Learn what the ed tech experts predict regarding digital learning in the upcoming year.

Helping Low-SES Students Thrive

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 24:00:00 PST

Studies show a correlation between low academic achievement and socioeconomic status (SES). But many low-SES students are successful in school. What factors give these students an edge?

What Does The Marshmallow Experiment Tell Us About Self-Control?

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 24:00:00 PST

Tell a four-year-old that she can eat one marshmallow now or wait 15 minutes and eat two. What does the child’s self-control, or lack of, tell us about her likelihood of future success? Read>>

Seldon’s Story: Testing Out of Special Education

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 24:00:00 PST

VIDEO: Hear the story of one student who tested out of her special education class after using Fast ForWord software, and the reactions of her teachers to her progress.

Poverty in American Schools: What Educators Can Do

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 24:00:00 PST

Children from poverty often struggle in school. Our free on-demand webinar by Eric Jensen, author of Teaching With Poverty in Mind, gives tips for helping all students succeed.

School District Technology: Plan or Blueprint?

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 24:00:00 PST

Is your district maximizing its technology investments? Learn how to create a blueprint to ensure that your technology expenditures are helping your district get timely, measurable results.

Building Your Child’s Self-Confidence

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 24:00:00 PST

Building your child’s self-confidence is a challenging task for any parent. Read these great tips to help your child become a more confident learner.

Six Reader-Selected Posts in Honor of Our 2nd Blogaversary

Thu, 5 Jan 2012 24:00:00 PST

In honor of our 2^nd blogaversary, we asked our readers to share their favorite posts from the Science of Learning blog . Read their responses and check out the posts that inspired them.

Blended Learning Implementation Strategies for the K-12 Classroom

Tue, 3 Jan 2012 24:00:00 PST

Learn the benefits of blended learning implementation strategies, as well as how you can implement these blended learning strategies in the K-12 classroom.

Happy New Year 2012 from Scientific Learning

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 24:00:00 PST

May your year be filled with the love of learning.

Fifth Graders Make Significantly Greater Gains than a Comparison Group Across Multiple Subjects After Fast ForWord

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 24:00:00 PST

VIDEO: After using Fast ForWord for 30 minutes a day, students made significantly greater improvements on a state-aligned computerized adaptive test than students who did not use Fast ForWord.

Bringing Learning to Life in the Classroom: Technology for 21st Century Schools

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 24:00:00 PST

On the cutting edge in education, 3D immersive technologies are transforming the classroom learning experience. How do students benefit from 3D tools, and what do they mean for the future?

Using Data Effectively in School Districts: Tips for School Administrators

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 24:00:00 PST

The increase of data and data systems in education has give rise to vast amounts of information. Learn how to use data effectively in your school district with these 8 helpful tips.

School Gardens: Sowing the Seeds of Experiential Learning

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 24:00:00 PST

School gardens can open a world of learning for students. Read about the benefits of the school garden, from solving real-world math problems to learning the importance of patience and nurturance.

Using the Power of Optimal Timing to Improve the Brain’s Ability to Learn

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 24:00:00 PST

Providing the brain with the right feedback at the right time can make a huge impact on learning. Find out how the brain responds to different time scales in the classroom.

Corey’s Story: My Son No Longer Needs Intervention After Using Fast ForWord

Thu, 8 Dec 2011 24:00:00 PST

Corey’s son struggled in kindergarten, just barely 5 years old. Today he’s a confident learner performing at grade level and no longer needs intervention. Watch as Corey tells his story.

The Making of a 21st Century Educator: 5 Ways to be a Better Teacher in Today’s Classroom

Tue, 6 Dec 2011 24:00:00 PST

Do you consider yourself a 21^st century educator? Here are 5 ways to be a better teacher in the 21^st century classroom.

Facebook in Schools: Tool or Taboo?

Thu, 1 Dec 2011 24:00:00 PST

Should Facebook be allowed in the classroom or should it be banned? Can it be used to contribute to classroom discussion, or is it a distraction that takes up precious time?

The Question Formulation Technique: 6 Steps to Help Students Ask Better Questions

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 24:00:00 PST

How often do we teach students how to formulate good, in-depth questions? Use these 6 steps to help boost your students’ ability to ask better questions and drive their own learning.

BrainFit Studio Accelerates English Learning with Brain Fitness

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 24:00:00 PST

BrainFit Studio has helped over 8,000 children accelerate English learning. Find out more about BrainFit Studio and how its SMART plan has helped students achieve academic success.

Sara’s Story: From 6 Months Behind In Reading to the Accelerated Reading Class

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 24:00:00 PST

VIDEO: Watch Sara’s first-hand story of one student’s remarkable progress with the Fast ForWord program when she was his coach.

Creating Safe Learning Environments: How Classroom Management Influences Student Performance

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 24:00:00 PST

Bullies and intimidating teachers can impair classroom learning. Find out how creating safe learning environments can boost student engagement and help students learn better.

Modeling Healthy Choices: Three Habits for Optimal Brain Health

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 24:00:00 PST

Optimal brain health is influenced by the small choices we make every day. Follow these 3 easy steps to help your brain stay healthy.

2011 Virtual Circle of Learning Wrap-Up

Tue, 8 Nov 2011 24:00:00 PST

Catch the 2011 Virtual Circle of Learning highlights, and learn how you can increase student engagement and motivation with these helpful resources.

Shaming Some Kids Makes Them Aggressive

Thu, 3 Nov 2011 24:00:00 PST

Many people believe that kids who are aggressive and violent toward other kids suffer from low self-esteem. What does the research say? Read this article to find out.

Of Rats and Men: How Stress Affects the Brain

Tue, 1 Nov 2011 24:00:00 PST

Did you know that stress can cause physical changes in the brain? Find out what recent studies reveal about how stress can impact brain function, and how long the effects may last.

Joel’s Story: My Nephew’s Reading Skills Improved 1½ Years in 3 Months with Fast ForWord

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 24:00:00 PST

VIDEO: 'In 4th grade, my nephew was 2 years behind in reading, struggling with decoding and reading comprehension. After using Fast ForWord products, he was reading at grade level.'

Building Fluent Readers: How Oral Reading Practice Helps Reading Comprehension

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 24:00:00 PST

Reading comprehension skills go hand-in-hand with reading fluency. Learn more about how the two are related, and find out how to help students develop reading comprehension skills by becoming more fluent readers.

Kindergarten Math Readiness & The Cardinal Principle

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 24:00:00 PST

Ever heard of “the cardinal principle”? It’s one of the most challenging math skills for preschoolers to master. Help your child build Kindergarten math readiness skills with these easy tips.

60% of Middle and High School Learners Exceed FCAT Annual Learning Gain Expectations

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 24:00:00 PST

Middle and high school learners in Ocala, FL, significantly exceed FCAT annual learning gain expectations after using Fast ForWord and Reading Assistant software.

Introducing the Eddy’s Number Party! Game – the First iPad App from Scientific Learning

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 24:00:00 PST

Designed in collaboration with leading scientists and educational experts, the Eddy’s Number Party! game develops early math skills while improving memory and attention. Try it today!

Using Google in the Classroom: Two Simple Tips to Refine Your Search

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 24:00:00 PST

Learn how using Google in the classroom more effectively saves time and delivers more accurate search results.

Toddler Vocabulary Development: Shopping With Your Child

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 24:00:00 PST

Learn how to turn everyday tasks like shopping into fun vocabulary learning experiences for your toddler. More>>

Longitudinal Study Shows Significant Fast ForWord Gains Endure Over Time

Thu, 6 Oct 2011 24:00:00 PST

VIDEO: Students from Clarke County, GA, on average, showed a steady increase in CRCT reading scores with each passing year after starting to use Fast ForWord products.

Recognizing Emotions After Brain Injury: Re-Learning a Critical Social Skill

Tue, 4 Oct 2011 24:00:00 PST

For many, re-learning social skills after brain injury may seem like a daunting task. Can the brain recognize emotions after injury? Read to find out.

Using Fiction Writing Activities to Develop Creative Thinking in the Classroom

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 24:00:00 PST

Are your students gifted creative thinkers? Get practical tips for using fiction writing in the classroom to break habitual thought patterns and develop students’ creativity.

10 Big Benefits of Using iPads in Schools

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 24:00:00 PST

The iPad is changing how students learn in the 21^st century. Learn how using iPads in schools can improve collaborative content creation, data collection, and more.

Fast ForWord^® Language Series Has Greatest Impact of Any Intervention Listed by NCRTI

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 24:00:00 PST

VIDEO: The Fast ForWord Language Series had the greatest impact and the largest positive effect of any intervention listed by the National Center on Response to Intervention (NCRTI). Get the details here.

Neural Prostheses: The Melding of Hardware, Software and Wetware

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 24:00:00 PST

Learn how hardware, software, and wetware work together to create truly remarkable devices known as prosthetic systems.

My Son Announced He Was Dropping Out of High School: Mary’s Story

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 24:00:00 PST

A veteran educator was shocked when her son announced he was dropping out of high school. But after the Fast ForWord program, he tested a year above grade level in reading and was back in school. Watch >>

The Great Homework Debate: Is Homework Helpful or Harmful to Students?

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 24:00:00 PST

Does homework develop study habits and reinforce learning, or does it solidify misunderstandings and detract from other valuable activities, including family time? Gain insight into both sides of the great homework debate.

Improving Auditory Processing in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Thu, 8 Sep 2011 24:00:00 PST

A recent study by Nicole Russo and her team at Northwestern University demonstrates that directed auditory training using Fast ForWord software shows great promise for improving auditory processing in children with ASD. Learn more >

My Nephew Was A Struggling Learner (Not Anymore!): Carrie’s Story

Tue, 6 Sep 2011 24:00:00 PST

VIDEO: Carrie describes how her young nephew, a strugging learner, used the Fast ForWord program to improve language skills before repeating kindergarten. He is now at the top of his class. Watch>>

Separating Brain Fact from Brain Fiction: Debunking a Few Neuroscience Myths

Thu, 1 Sep 2011 24:00:00 PST

Is it true that we only use 10% of our brains? Find out here, and read more myths about neuroscience and the brain.

Language Skills Increase 1.8 Years After 30 Days Using Fast ForWord

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 24:00:00 PST

VIDEO: See how language comprehension improvement can be achieved with Fast ForWord. This study shows an average increase of 1.8 years after 30 school days.

2011 Virtual Circle of Learning Customer Conference