Welcome to the November 2018 Learning Brain News.

What makes a child bully others?  Scientists are now discovering more about the brain chemicals that influence aggression and bullying - see “Inside a Bully’s Brain” below.

Also, read about new research that’s identified 102 genes associated with autism and listen to a webinar about what’s happening in the brains of struggling readers.

Best wishes,

Devon Barnes
Learning Brain News

PS: You can get a free video based ethics program for your students - see What’s New.

Latest Research

Inside a Bully's Brain

A new study shows that brain chemicals may play a role in bullying and aggressive behaviour.

The researchers say understanding the biological causes of anti-social behaviours is a step towards effective prevention and treatment. Learn more.

How your Brain Decides What to Learn

Neuroscientists at Stanford University have reported in Science Magazine that they have identified part of the brain which choose what to focus on when learning... what’s important and what is just “background noise”.

Their results could help better understand how humans learn. Read more.

What's New?

Free Video-Based Ethics Program Increases Moral Awareness

Free Video-Based Ethics Program Increases Moral Awareness Ethics Unwrapped, a video-based behavioural ethics curriculum increases student understanding of ethics and human behaviour, according to a new study. The study was based on a two-year survey of approximately 8,600 undergraduates. 

Ethics Unwrapped includes more than 125 short videos and supportive curriculum resources. Learn more or Get the program here.

Autism

New Study Finds 102 Genes Associated with Autism

In the largest genetic sequencing study of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to date, researchers have identified 102 genes associated with the condition. And they are teasing apart the genes associated with ASD from those associated with intellectual disability and developmental delay. Read more.

Positive Education

Spotting and Using Strengths in the Classroom

How can you spot your students’ strengths and apply a strengths approach in your classroom?

New 1-hour professional development course for teachers. Learn more.

What's On?

3 Things All Struggling Readers’ Brains Have in Common

Research is showing what’s happening in the brains of students who struggle to learn how to read, and what has the greatest impact on their future learning.

Listen to the webinar here

The Learning Capacity Podcast

How Rapid Trait Profiling Helps Improve Communication & Relationships

Can teachers use students' facial features to understand them and their learning styles better? International profiling and communication specialist, Alan Stevens, says rapid trait profiling makes it possible for teachers to do fast personality and character assessments. Listen to the podcast or read the transcript.

Free Download

Warning Signs of Bullying

Parents and educators should familiarise themselves with many of the warning signs which indicate whether a student is bullying others or is a victim of bullying. Being alert to the warning signs is the first step to combat anti-social behaviour in a school environment. Download the Warning Signs that a Child is a Bully & The Warning Signs that a Child is a Victim.

Book of the Month

Leveraged Learning

Why is a university degree no longer a guaranteed ticket to a successful career? The options for study beyond secondary school have exploded. It’s no longer just university or a trade.

Entrepreneur and author Danny Iny explains the changing landscape of post-school education and offers a guide to how to select useful education from the myriad of course offerings now available in the new digital world. Learn more.

App of the Month

Smart with Art!

Start With Art, founded by former Disney animators and professional educators, is designed to begin a child’s journey into the world of art, creativity, and visual learning.

It is the first app of four that teaches children how to understand core visual arts and express themselves through it. This award winning app is free and suitable for 7 year olds and above.