1st Edition
Cognitive Neuroscience Foundations for School Psychologists Brain-Behavior Relationships in the Classroom
Cognitive Neuroscience Foundations for School Psychologists provides a comprehensive overview of brain-behavior relationships relevant to the support of students at all ability levels. Carefully attuned to the shared language between neuroscience, psychology, and education, this book covers basic neuroanatomy, brain development in student academic performance, and general assessment and pedagogical implications and interventions in the classroom. School psychologists will be prepared to apply judicious neuroscientific findings to the initial stages of instruction through assessment and intervention, clearly linking best practices for classroom instruction, formative and summative assessment, and evidence-based intervention.
1. Introduction 2. Cells and Circuits 3. Brain Development Basics 4. Executive Functioning, Reasoning, Learning, & Memory 5. Language 6. Reading 7. Written Expression 8. Mathematics 9. Learning Disabilities Summary 10. Social Emotional Development and Mental Health 11. Common Childhood Disorders 12. Technology
Biography
Gabrielle Wilcox is an Associate Professor of School and Applied Child Psychology in the Werklund School of Education and Coordinator of the Educational Neuroscience certificate at the University of Calgary, Canada. She is a Registered Psychologist in Alberta and a Nationally Certified School Psychologist.
Frank P. MacMaster is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Paediatrics in the Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary, Canada, and Scientific Director for the Provincial Addictions and Mental Health portfolio with Alberta Health Services.
Erica Makarenko is a Senior Instructor and Academic Coordinator of School and Applied Child Psychology program in the Werklund School of Education and Co-Coordinator of the Educational Neuroscience certificate at the University of Calgary, Canada. She is a Registered Psychologist in Alberta and a Nationally Certified School Psychologist.
"This book represents an excellent integration of biological bases of behaviour and the practice of school psychology. Readers are taken on a journey from basic biological principles to academic and mental health assessment and intervention. The theme is that an underpinning in cognitive neuroscience provides the strongest possible scientific foundation to support effective school psychology service delivery. This is a comprehensive and highly readable volume for students or anyone wanting to know how knowledge of cognitive neuroscience can improve the practice of school psychology."
—Steven R. Shaw, Associate Professor in the Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology at McGill University, Canada
"I love this book! Its diverse case studies and brain ‘cheat sheets’ help the reader to understand the complex brain-behavior relationships underlying learning and academic functioning. Further, the authors provide pragmatic recommendations for how to share this information with teachers and collaboratively tailor interventions to better support children with developmental, medical, and environmentally based learning differences. The book also provides suggestions for additional readings, lists of relevant resources, and neuromyth-busting. It allows the reader to build a strong neurodevelopmental foundation and pushes them into actively engaging and integrating the concepts, furthering their mastery."
—Hilary Gomes, Licensed Psychologist in the State of New York and Board-Certified Pediatric Neuropsychologist
"This text is a compendium of translational research that should prove to be an invaluable addition to all psychological, neuropsychological, and educational training programs. Clearly written and comprehensive in scope, the manuscript journeys from cells and circuits to learning and behavior by weaving between contemporary research and neuromyths in the field. Case study examples along with poignant questions will challenge the reader to interpret data from a brain-based perspective to better inform intervention decision making for struggling students."
—Steven G. Feifer, Educational Neuropsychologist and Nationally Certified School Psychologist
"An insightful, approachable neuroscience text that presents complex topics of neuroanatomy and cognitive function in a consumable format. Through the use of case studies that promote further exploration and discussion, visual aids, and real-world examples, this text offers a thorough understanding of the brain and, in particular, behaviors and functioning as they appear in children and adolescents. Neuroscience cannot be ignored in assessment, diagnosis, or intervention. This text will prepare school psychologists to be the necessary conduit between brain structure, function, and learning. The text is realistic, conversational, and provides strategies for immediate classroom implementation."
—Julie A. Gettman, Owner of Mindworks Assessment LLC, Associate Director of the School Neuropsychology Institute, Licensed School Psychologist, and Nationally Certified School Psychologist
"As a clinician who has been practicing in the field for more than 35 years, I can only say it is about time that we had a practical textbook that brings to the forefront how brain processes are intrinsically connected to learning and to many disorders. This book beautifully weaves current research with case studies to punctuate important points. It is easy to understand and a wonderful summative guide for those who are training to work in education or psychology as well as those seasoned professionals who wish to refresh and broaden their knowledge."
—Melissa S. Cait, Licensed Psychologist, and Founder and Clinic Director of Cornerstone Psychological Services, Canada
