It All Begins in Northern Tanzania

Recently I had an opportunity to sit down with developmental molecular biologist Dr. John Medina, author of numerous books, including Brain Rules: 12 Principles for Surviving and Thriving at Work, Home, and School.

I was thrilled to have this conversation, because Dr. Medina’s research underscores many of the practices we live by in our classrooms. 

Dr. Medina allowed me to record our conversation so that we could share his wisdom with you.

In this 30-minute session, Dr. Medina and I discussed

• long-standing brain myths,
• the conditions under which the brain functions best,
• humans’ ability to change,
• social supports, and more. 

You may be asking yourself, How does any of this affect my teaching? Well, it’s interesting, because one of the things I keep thinking about that Dr. Medina said is that teaching is one of the only professions in which the members don’t study (in school) the very thing they are trying to shape—the brain. 

It is important to use what we know about the brain to shape our teaching. And, we want to talk more about what we have learned (recently and over the years) with you! Join me for an upcoming coaching series titled “Brain-Compatible Teaching and Learning," beginning with "The 10 Minute Rule" on Wednesday, May 18, at 7 p.m. EDT. 

This session is free and open to all. Learn more about it, and let us know you are coming, here.

Are you curious about why we titled this Tip “It All Begins in Northern Tanzania”? Watch my interview with Dr. Medina to find out.

*Dr. John J. Medina is a developmental molecular biologist focused on the genes involved in human brain development and the genetics of psychiatric disorders. He has spent most of his professional life as a private research consultant, working primarily in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries on research related to mental health. Medina is an affiliate Professor of Bioengineering at the University of Washington School of Medicine.

Medina (Meh-DEE-nuh) was the founding director of the Talaris Research Institute, a Seattle-based research center originally focused on how infants encode and process information at the cognitive, cellular, and molecular levels.