How the Brain Learns

"When it comes to brain research,David Sousa is first among peers. His straightforward explanation of the intricacies of the brain, based on solid research, turns theory into practice allowing educators to immediately operationalize concepts into classroom practice."
―Jim Grant, International Educator, Author, Keynote Speaker
Staff Development for Educators

"A wonderful and thorough compendium of how our brain learns. Packed with both scientific and practical information."
―Eric Jensen, Speaker, Author, Trainer, and Consultant
Jensen Learning Corporation

"How the Brain Learns is an excellent text for educators who are looking to take the next step beyond the confines of the traditional model of direct instruction and who wish to ground their professional development in research about the brain. The chapter on ′The Brain and the Arts′ in particular is superb."
―Geoffrey Caine, Executive Director
Caine Learning


Use the power of neuroscience to develop better students in your class!

How the Brain Learns, Third Edition, the newly revised and updated edition of this powerful and practical bestseller, examines remarkable new research and developments in brain functioning while continuing its successful tradition of translating this information into effective classroom strategies and activities.

In this revised edition, best-selling author David A. Sousa explores source material on brain research, including basic brain structures, how the brain processes information, memory and retention, and the transfer of knowledge to enhance present and future learning. In addition to critical new research about how the brain acquires language, the updated text includes:

• An expanded chapter on thinking skills applying the recently revised Bloom′s Taxonomy
• A revised Information Processing Model to reflect new terminology and understanding about memory systems
• Additional new examples of how emotions influence learning and memory
• New Practitioner′s Corners to assess understanding of major concepts and how these translate into effective classroom strategies
• Updated bibliography and Internet resources
• An engaging new 2-color interior design

How the Brain Learns, Third Edition is an indispensable tool for all educators―school administrators and teachers, staff developers, preservice students and faculty, and parents who want to better understand the way their children process and retain information.
See Facilitator′s Guide to How the Brain Learns, 3rd Edition

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.