Education on the Edge of Possibility

Education on the Edge of Possibility Renate Nummela Caine and Geoffrey CaineBook Review by Mary HutchingsHow do human beings learn? Are your mental models in harmony with your espoused theories? If you are intrigued by these questions as well as by the notion that "education could function to produce the sorts of people who could lead us toward sustainable community in the next century", then this book is a must read for you.The authors will have you examining the invisible set of assumptions, which guide your own learning; as well as help you analyze current educational settings for effectiveness, using lists developed specifically for that purpose. The key, they say, is understanding the basic principles of how the human brain learns, or "Brain Based Learning".Rather than offering yet another "theory" of instruction, the authors have actually provided an orderly framework which helps explain why aspects of each theory make sense, why other aspects may be misapplied, and even why genuine change or the threat of change never seems to produce just that: change. The authors share with us details of work they did with two schools in California, what they did, and what they learned. The results are fascinating.After reading this book you will have a solid understanding of how your brain learns, what conditions are necessary for optimal learning, and a connection to an existing network of support ready with ideas to transform yourself. Maybe you will help lead us toward sustainable community in the next century.

Caine and Caine have actually amassed the theories on how children learn in a workable tableau that all of us educators can learn from if we so choose. They do, in fact, create an experience for us which can help link our learning to genuine shifts in our understanding of children. This is a must book for all educators.

Once again the Caines challenge us to look at education through new eyes ‹ the eyes of brain-based theory. The Caines are marvelous summarizers and practicioners of what they learn. Their work with the schools in California continues to advance the information and method we need to explore and install brain-based education in our lives and our schools. Congratulations on this next step. Follow them in future books. Excellent.