How the Brain Influences Behavior

DR. David A. Sousa is an international consultant in educational neuroscience and author of more than twenty books that suggest ways educators and parents can translate current brain research into strategies for improving learning. A member of the Cognitive Neuroscience Society, he has conducted workshops in hundreds of school districts on brain research, instructional skills, and science education at the preK-12 and university levels. He has made presentations to more than two hundred thousand educators at national conventions of educational organizations and to regional and local school districts across the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Asia. Dr. Sousa has a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Bridgewater State University in Massachusetts, a master of arts in teaching degree in science from Harvard University, and a doctorate from Rutgers University. His teaching experience covers all levels. He has taught senior high school science and served as a K-12 director of science, supervisor of instruction, and district superintendent in New Jersey schools. He was an adjunct professor of education at Seton Hall University for ten years and a visiting lecturer at Rutgers University. Prior to his career in New Jersey, Dr. Sousa taught at the American School of Paris (France) and served for five years as a foreign service officer and science advisor at the US diplomatic missions in Geneva (Switzerland) and Vienna (Austria). Dr. Sousa has edited science books and published dozens of articles in leading journals on professional development, science education, and educational research. His most popular books for educators include How the Brain Learns, now in its sixth edition; How the Special Needs Brain Learns, second edition; How the Gifted Brain Learns; How the Brain Learns to Read, second edition; How the Brain Influences Behavior; How the ELL Brain Learns; Differentiation and the Brain, second edition (with Carol Tomlinson); and How the Brain Learns Mathematics, second edition, which was selected by the Independent Book Publishers Association as one of the best professional development books. The Leadership Brain suggests ways for educators to lead today's schools more effectively. Dr. Sousa's books have been published in French, Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, Korean, Russian, and several other languages. His book Brainwork: The Neuroscience Behind How We Lead Others is written for business and organizational leaders. Dr. Sousa is past president of the National Staff Development Council (now called Learning Forward). He has received numerous awards from professional associations, school districts, and educational foundations for his commitment to research, staff development, and science education. He received the Distinguished Alumni Award and an honorary doctorate from Bridgewater State University and an honorary doctorate in humane letters from Gratz College in Philadelphia. Dr. Sousa has been interviewed on the NBC Today show, by other television programs, and by National Public Radio about his work with schools using brain research. He makes his home in south Florida.

About the Author Acknowledgments Introduction Are Behavior Problems on the Rise? Can Neuroscience Help? About This Book Questions This Book Will Answer Chapter Contents Other Helpful Tools 1. Handling Social Misbehavior The Social and Emotional Brain Emotional Processing Pathways of Emotional Signals What Leads to Social Misbehavior? The Teacher Is the Key Interventions for Handling Social Misbehavior Dealing With Social Anxieties Using Social Stories to Modify Behavior A Case Study: Using a Social Story for a Verbally Aggressive Student A Social Story for Angry Students Summary 2. Dealing With Impulsive Behavior What Leads to Impulsivity and Violent Behavior? Genetic Variations Prenatal Exposure to Cocaine Cerebral Lesions An Important Word About Testosterone Ignorance of Rules of Behavior Some Strategies for Controlling Impulsive Behavior Cognitive and Cognitive-Behavioral Interventions Putting Impulsive Problem Behavior in a Social Context Using Picture Books to Curb Impulsive Anger or Anxiety Other Suggested Strategies Summary 3. Teaching Self-Control Through Self-Verbalization Examining Self-Control What Is Self-Control? Are Children Learning Self-Control? Brain Structures for Self-Control Do Mirror Neurons Play a Role in Self-Control? Losing Self-Control Helping Students Regain Self-Control Verbal Self-Contol of Aggressive, Defiant, or Other Behavior The Power of Self-Talk The ZIPPER Strategy "Say No and Walk Away" to Resist Peer Pressure Self-Control Through Self-Talk and Self-Monitoring The Nature of Attention Self-Monitoring for Other Problem Behaviors Self-Control Through Self-Rating of Emotional Intensity The Anger Thermometer Summary 4. Managing the Behavior of Boys Why a Concern With Boys? Gender Differences in Behavior Genetic and Environmental Factors Impact of Biology Some Research Findings on Behavioral Differences Using Research-Based Strategies Movement-Based Instruction and Classroom Management Boy-Friendly Instruction and Discipline The Responsibility Strategy And What About Girls? The Rise of Cyberbullying Bullying Versus Cyberbullying Dealing With Cyberbullying Summary 5. Building Positive Relationships With Troubled Students Relationships and Research Insights From Neuroscience Some Research Findings Developing Teacher-Student Relationships The Importance of Positive Relationships With and for Students Reaching Unreachable Students With Dialogue Journals The Lunch Bunch: An Educator's Idea Managing Serious Behavior Problems Through Adult Mentoring Summary 6. Using Peer Relationships to Modify Behavior Examining Peer Relationships Dealing With Peer Influence: A Two-Edged Sword The Desire to Be Liked Peer-Mediated Behavior Management Strategies Peer-Mediated Anger Management Factors to Consider in Peer Mediation Peer Confrontation to Curb Misbehavior The Mystery Motivator/Mystery Character Intervention to Decrease Inappropriate Behavior Group Contingency Interventions Summary 7. Managing Oppositional Behavior What Is Oppositional Behavior? Causes of Oppositional Behavior Students With Oppositional Behavior in the Classroom Teacher Knowledge of Oppositional Behavior Teacher Frustration and Countercontrol Defiant Students: Explosions Waiting to Happen Avoiding Triggers for Misbehavior in the Classroom Teaching Students to Relax Other Strategies What About Oppositional Defiant Disorder? (ODD) Development of ODD Treatment of ODD Summary 8. Developing Positive Self-Esteem The Nature of Self-Esteem The Power of Self-Esteem Research on Self-Esteem Guidelines for Building Self-Esteem Building a New Perspective on the Troubled Student: The Strength-Based Assessment What Is Strength-Based Assessment? Motivation and Attribution Retraining Motivation Research and Attribution Theory The "Shine My Light" Strategy Summary 9. Putting It All Together Educational Climate: Are We Happy Here? What Is Classroom Climate? The Biology of Happiness Successful Behavior Management in the Classroom Assessing Classroom Climate Classrom Management and Cultural Diversity Guidelines for Managing Diverse Classes Positive Behavioral Supports in the Classroom What Are Positive Behavioral Supports? The Functional Assessment of Behavior The Behavioral Improvement Plan Multitiered Interventions and the Student Support Team Summary Conclusion Appendix Glossary References Resources Index

"This winning book presents clearly outlined brain research as it applies to proactively managing classroom discipline issues. A must-have for teachers who prefer to not only teach, but effectively reach every student too!" -- Toby J. Karten, Graduate Instructor, College of New Jersey, Gratz College "This book is a must-read for those interested in managing classroom behavior in a manner that is both effective and research based." -- Stephen D. Shepperd, Principal "This is a timely topic with workable solutions that enables students to learn in today's classrooms. A must-read for educators working with diverse populations." -- Carolyn Chapman, Educational Consultant, Creative Learning Connection, Inc.