--- title: The Learning Success Blog (7) description: The Learning Success Blog (7) --- - [Blog](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog) - [Newsletter](https://www.learningbrainnews.com) - [Podcast](https://open.spotify.com/show/6bLMNOdd8r3x9Onx9gSubb) - [Free Resources](https://www.learnfasthq.com/free-learning-resources) - [Shop](https://learnfast-products.myshopify.com/) [![LearnFast](https://www.learnfasthq.com/hs-fs/hubfs/images/LearnFast_logo.png?width=150&height=77&name=LearnFast_logo.png "LearnFast")](https://www.learnfasthq.com) - [Programs](https://www.learnfasthq.com/programs) - Results - [The Science](https://www.learnfasthq.com/science) - [The Research](https://www.learnfasthq.com/research) - [Success Stories](https://www.learnfasthq.com/success-stories) - Who we help - [Teacher](https://www.learnfasthq.com/teacher) - [Parent](https://www.learnfasthq.com/parent) - [Business](https://www.learnfasthq.com/business) - [How we help](https://www.learnfasthq.com/how-we-help) - [Connect](https://www.learnfasthq.com/connect) - [Blog](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog) - [Newsletter](https://www.learningbrainnews.com) - [Podcast](https://open.spotify.com/show/6bLMNOdd8r3x9Onx9gSubb) - [Free Resources](https://www.learnfasthq.com/free-learning-resources) - [Shop](https://learnfast-products.myshopify.com/) # The learning success blog Filter by tag All Fast ForWord Learning Capacity Podcasts Brain Science Learning Capacity Success Stories Auditory Processing Disorder Learning Difficulties Reading Dyslexia For Principals Educational Neuroscience Attention Maths School Autism Spelling Memory Confidence & Resilience English Language Learners Literacy Writing Artificial Intelligence Behaviour Comprehension Adult Brain Fitness Social & Emotional Learning Teaching [![merzenich.shatz.marder.jpg](https://www.learnfasthq.com/hs-fs/hubfs/merzenich.shatz.marder.jpg?height=200&name=merzenich.shatz.marder.jpg)](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/3-famous-neuroscientists-how-brain-plasticity-helps-human-potential) [Brain Science](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/topic/brain-science), [Fast ForWord](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/topic/fast-forword), [Educational Neuroscience](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/topic/educational-neuroscience) ### [3 Famous Neuroscientists: How Brain Plasticity Helps Human Potential](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/3-famous-neuroscientists-how-brain-plasticity-helps-human-potential) ![Picture of http://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/363641/file-691639901-jpg/Peter_Barnes.106.101.jpg](https://www.learnfasthq.com/hs-fs/hub/363641/file-691639901.jpg?width=30&name=file-691639901.jpg) [Peter Barnes](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/author/peter-barnes) “The science of neuroplasticity is slowly but surely transforming how we think about ourselves and our brains, and how we can build a stronger brain that provides us with a better life,” said Dr Michael Merzenich. He was speaking in a roundtable discussion with Professors Eve Marder and Carla Shatz following the trio’s receipt of the [$1million 2016 Kavli Prize in Neuroscience](https://www.statnews.com/2016/06/02/kavli-prize-brain-neuroscience/). The three scientists discussed how their work disrupted a central dogma of neuroscience and how it offers the promise of plasticity-based treatments for people who are struggling to learn, have brain damage or who have brains at risk of mental illness or dementia. [Read More](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/3-famous-neuroscientists-how-brain-plasticity-helps-human-potential) [![](https://www.learnfasthq.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Living_proof.jpg?height=200&name=Living_proof.jpg)](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/what-is-neuroplasticity-and-how-does-it-impact-education-infographic) [Educational Neuroscience](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/topic/educational-neuroscience), [For Principals](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/topic/for-principals) ### [What is Neuroplasticity & How Does It Impact Education?  (Infographic)](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/what-is-neuroplasticity-and-how-does-it-impact-education-infographic) ![Picture of http://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/363641/file-691639901-jpg/Peter_Barnes.106.101.jpg](https://www.learnfasthq.com/hs-fs/hub/363641/file-691639901.jpg?width=30&name=file-691639901.jpg) [Peter Barnes](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/author/peter-barnes) “Everything having to do with human training and education has to be re-examined in light of neuroplasticity". (Norman Doidge, author of **"The Brain That Changes Itself”**). What is neuroplasticity? It is the understanding that experiences are able to change our brains, and that our brain’s structure and capacity are not fixed. The eminent neuroscientist, **[Dr Michael Merzenich](http://www.kavliprize.org/prizes-and-laureates/laureates/michael-m-merzenich)**, widely known as “the father of neuroplasticity”, recently shared the $1million [**Kavli Prize**](http://www.kavliprize.org/prizes-and-laureates/prizes/2016-kavli-prize-neuroscience) for his contribution to this understanding. Neuroplasticity offers the prospect of new ways to improve learning and education, physical rehabilitation, mental illnesses and addiction. An excellent infographic explaining neuroplasticity has been produced by **[Alta Mira](https://www.altamirarecovery.com/),** a San Francisco rehabilitation and recovery centre.    The infographic includes this comment about education: [Read More](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/what-is-neuroplasticity-and-how-does-it-impact-education-infographic) [![](https://www.learnfasthq.com/hs-fs/hubfs/banner%20customer-experience-gc3a0fad98_1920-1.jpeg?height=200&name=banner%20customer-experience-gc3a0fad98_1920-1.jpeg)](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/fast-forword-neuroscience-programs-a-success-at-covenant-college) [Fast ForWord](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/topic/fast-forword), [Learning Capacity Success Stories](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/topic/learning-capacity-success-stories), [For Principals](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/topic/for-principals) ### [Fast ForWord Neuroscience Programs a Success at Covenant College](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/fast-forword-neuroscience-programs-a-success-at-covenant-college) ![Picture of http://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/363641/file-691639901-jpg/Peter_Barnes.106.101.jpg](https://www.learnfasthq.com/hs-fs/hub/363641/file-691639901.jpg?width=30&name=file-691639901.jpg) [Peter Barnes](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/author/peter-barnes) “I’ve too many good results here with a range of children to not give all the kids an opportunity to do it”. That's how [Bruce Horman](https://www.learnfasthq.com/teacher), Head of Junior School at [Covenant College](http://www.covenant.vic.edu.au/our-school) explained why he decided to have all children in Grade Three participate in the neuroscience-based [Fast ForWord program](http://blog.learnfasthome.com.au/blog/new-zealand-school-found-fast-forword-helped-struggling-students) in 2015. Covenant College is a K -12 school with 540 students in Geelong, Victoria. For the previous three years Covenant College had focussed the program on students from various grades who were presenting with a range of learning difficulties. They also included some students who were achieving in the mid range of their cohort, but had potential to do better. Bruce commented, “I've seen that bright kids also benefit from Fast ForWord. It's not just for those kids who are really struggling”. [Read More](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/fast-forword-neuroscience-programs-a-success-at-covenant-college) [![](https://www.learnfasthq.com/hs-fs/hubfs/boy.reading.blue.white-275579-edited.jpg?height=200&name=boy.reading.blue.white-275579-edited.jpg)](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/how-fast-forword-helped-finn-autism-language-reading-improvements) [Reading](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/topic/reading), [Autism](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/topic/autism), [Fast ForWord](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/topic/fast-forword), [Podcasts](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/topic/podcasts) ### [How Fast ForWord Helped Finn: Autism, Language & Reading Improvements](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/how-fast-forword-helped-finn-autism-language-reading-improvements) ![Picture of http://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/363641/file-693699662-jpg/Colin_Klupiec.106.101.jpg](https://www.learnfasthq.com/hs-fs/hub/363641/file-693699662.jpg?width=30&name=file-693699662.jpg) [Colin Klupiec](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/author/colin-klupiec) Watching your child grow up is exciting and wondrous. You marvel at what they pick up and how they develop. For Kim Rackemann and her husband, the journey with their son Finn wasn’t quite so straightforward. Finn wasn’t really hitting the usual milestones. He was found to be on the Autism Spectrum, and the main indicator was his language delay. Despite some scepticism, Finn started the Fast ForWord program, and in what seemed to be a short space of time, the improvements started. I spoke to Kim on [The Learning Capacity Podcast](https://player.whooshkaa.com/shows/the-learning-capacity-podcast) where she shared Finn’s story. Listen to the podcast.   [Read More](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/how-fast-forword-helped-finn-autism-language-reading-improvements) [![](https://www.learnfasthq.com/hs-fs/hubfs/little-girl-reading.home_.380.285-447217-edited.jpg?height=200&name=little-girl-reading.home_.380.285-447217-edited.jpg)](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/how-fast-forword-helped-heal-and-restore-a-life-esters-story) [Learning Difficulties](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/topic/learning-difficulties), [Fast ForWord](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/topic/fast-forword), [Podcasts](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/topic/podcasts) ### [How Fast ForWord Helped Heal and Restore a Life: Ester’s Story](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/how-fast-forword-helped-heal-and-restore-a-life-esters-story) ![Picture of http://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/363641/file-693699662-jpg/Colin_Klupiec.106.101.jpg](https://www.learnfasthq.com/hs-fs/hub/363641/file-693699662.jpg?width=30&name=file-693699662.jpg) [Colin Klupiec](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/author/colin-klupiec) This is a story that defies the odds. It involves years of illness, crushing diagnoses by doctors, and miraculous recovery. It demonstrates how the brain really can change itself. And it also involves [Fast ForWord](http://www.learnfasthome.com.au/how-to-get-started/programs/brain-training/), a neuroscience based program used for both remedial learning, and learning enhancement. In a special episode of the [Learning Capacity Podcast](https://soundcloud.com/learnfast/69-how-fast-forword-helped-heal-and-restore-a-life-esters-story), I spoke to a mother about her daughter’s journey through illness to recovery.  Given the nature of the details involved, I refer to my guest only as Esther, which is her real name, and her children.  Listen to the podcast. [Read More](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/how-fast-forword-helped-heal-and-restore-a-life-esters-story) [![](https://www.learnfasthq.com/hs-fs/hubfs/How%20to%20improve%20your%20childs%20social%20skills%20ebook%20cover-1-1.png?height=200&name=How%20to%20improve%20your%20childs%20social%20skills%20ebook%20cover-1-1.png)](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/dawson-now-loves-to-read-thanks-to-6-weeks-of-fast-forword) [Reading](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/topic/reading), [Fast ForWord](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/topic/fast-forword), [Learning Capacity Success Stories](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/topic/learning-capacity-success-stories) ### [Dawson Now Loves to Read, Thanks to 6 Weeks of Fast ForWord](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/dawson-now-loves-to-read-thanks-to-6-weeks-of-fast-forword) ![Picture of http://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/363641/file-691639901-jpg/Peter_Barnes.106.101.jpg](https://www.learnfasthq.com/hs-fs/hub/363641/file-691639901.jpg?width=30&name=file-691639901.jpg) [Peter Barnes](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/author/peter-barnes) This is a personal story. It’s about my grandson Dawson. He’s in grade 4 at school. Dawson is a bright boy. Intelligence testing has put him in the 90th percentile in overall cognitive ability. But his language skills were tested as relatively weak. He had no trouble learning to read, and he was able to understand what he read. But he wasn’t a big reader.  He would read reluctantly and did not seem to get a lot of enjoyment from it. Earlier this year his teacher reported that Dawson was reading at a level between year 3 and year 4. [Read More](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/dawson-now-loves-to-read-thanks-to-6-weeks-of-fast-forword) [![](https://www.learnfasthq.com/hs-fs/hubfs/artificial-intelligence-g39a5beab8_1920.jpg?height=200&name=artificial-intelligence-g39a5beab8_1920.jpg)](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/4-neuroscientists-how-fast-forword-was-built-and-the-future) [Brain Science](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/topic/brain-science), [Fast ForWord](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/topic/fast-forword) ### [4 Neuroscientists: How Fast ForWord Was Built & The Future](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/4-neuroscientists-how-fast-forword-was-built-and-the-future) ![Picture of http://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/363641/file-691639901-jpg/Peter_Barnes.106.101.jpg](https://www.learnfasthq.com/hs-fs/hub/363641/file-691639901.jpg?width=30&name=file-691639901.jpg) [Peter Barnes](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/author/peter-barnes) **Scientific Learning Corporation’s Founders Discussion** This blog is an edited transcript of a panel discussion with the four neuroscientists who developed Fast ForWord and founded the Scientific Learning Corporation. It took place at the Scientific Learning 20th Anniversary Visionary Conference in San Diego, March 2016. The scientists are: [Read More](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/4-neuroscientists-how-fast-forword-was-built-and-the-future) [![](https://www.learnfasthq.com/hs-fs/hubfs/blog-1227582.jpg?height=200&name=blog-1227582.jpg)](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/educational-neuroscience-helps-students-special-needs-to-mainstream) [Fast ForWord](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/topic/fast-forword), [Learning Capacity](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/topic/learning-capacity), [Educational Neuroscience](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/topic/educational-neuroscience) ### [Educational Neuroscience Helps Students: Special Needs to Mainstream](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/educational-neuroscience-helps-students-special-needs-to-mainstream) ![Picture of http://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/363641/file-691639901-jpg/Peter_Barnes.106.101.jpg](https://www.learnfasthq.com/hs-fs/hub/363641/file-691639901.jpg?width=30&name=file-691639901.jpg) [Peter Barnes](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/author/peter-barnes) Peter Carabi, vice president of Global Business Development for Carnegie Learning has been watching how educational neuroscience is changing learning for students around the world. He sees how this relativey new brain science, which is the foundation for the Fast ForWord brain training, language and reading programs, opens new opportunities for students regardless of their country or ability. Peter recorded an interview with the [Learning Capacity Podcast](https://player.whooshkaa.com/shows/the-learning-capacity-podcast) in which he discussed English language learning and educational neuroscience. This blog is a transcript of his comments about the latter. [Read More](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/educational-neuroscience-helps-students-special-needs-to-mainstream) [![](https://www.learnfasthq.com/hs-fs/hubfs/blog-1227582.jpg?height=200&name=blog-1227582.jpg)](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/peter-carabi-english-language-learning-with-fast-forword) [English Language Learners](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/topic/english-language-learners), [Brain Science](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/topic/brain-science), [Fast ForWord](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/topic/fast-forword), [Podcasts](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/topic/podcasts), [Educational Neuroscience](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/topic/educational-neuroscience) ### [Peter Carabi: English Language Learning with Fast ForWord](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/peter-carabi-english-language-learning-with-fast-forword) ![Picture of http://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/363641/file-691639901-jpg/Peter_Barnes.106.101.jpg](https://www.learnfasthq.com/hs-fs/hub/363641/file-691639901.jpg?width=30&name=file-691639901.jpg) [Peter Barnes](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/author/peter-barnes) Language and reading are universal skills required by everyone across the world. And with English being such a dominant language, there are an increasing number of people looking for ways to improve their English literacy. Peter Carabi, vice president of Global Business Development for [Carnegie Learning](https://www.carnegielearning.com/) is in the privileged position of witnessing the effects of the [Fast ForWord programs](https://www.learnfasthq.com/programs) as they help people around the world with their language skills. He sees how this opens new opportunities for them and often completely changes the trajectory of young peoples’ lives. The programs are based on neuroscience, and the concept that the brain is not fixed, but plastic, and has the capability to change itself. Peter describes it as one of the things that can give us all hope. Colin Klupiec caught up with Peter at the biannual LearnFast summit in January 2016, on a sunny day in Manly on Sydney Harbour and recorded an interview for the [Learning Capacity Podcast](https://player.whooshkaa.com/shows/the-learning-capacity-podcast). Peter discussed English language learning and educational neuroscience. Listen to the podcast. [Read More](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/peter-carabi-english-language-learning-with-fast-forword) [![](https://www.learnfasthq.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ODD.png?height=200&name=ODD.png)](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/how-to-deal-with-oppositional-defiant-disorder-dr-shan-ong-explains) [Podcasts](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/topic/podcasts), [Behaviour](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/topic/behaviour) ### [How to Deal with Oppositional Defiant Disorder? Dr Shan Ong Explains](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/how-to-deal-with-oppositional-defiant-disorder-dr-shan-ong-explains) ![Picture of http://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/363641/file-693699662-jpg/Colin_Klupiec.106.101.jpg](https://www.learnfasthq.com/hs-fs/hub/363641/file-693699662.jpg?width=30&name=file-693699662.jpg) [Colin Klupiec](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/author/colin-klupiec) Oppositional Defiant Disorder, or ODD, can be traumatic to deal with.  A child's oppositional or defiant behaviour needs to be consistent and obvious for about 6 months, before it's classified as ODD. This can seem like a long time before parents make decisions to do something about it.  Dr Shan Ong is a developmental paediatrician with deep experience in this field. I spoke to him on the [Learning Capacity podcast](https://soundcloud.com/learnfast/shan-ong-oppositional-defiant-disorder), and asked about ODD. What does it mean for parents to take the first steps in handling the situation? And what can parents expect?  Dr Ong  explained that for parents it's a mixture of emotions from relief to denial.  They have to come to terms with the long road ahead.  We also talked about the role of the child's school. How the school fits in with strategies at home. And  the relationship with a medical professional.  I started by asking Dr Ong to clarify what defiant behaviours might look like. Listen to the discussion: [Read More](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/how-to-deal-with-oppositional-defiant-disorder-dr-shan-ong-explains) [Prev](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/page/6) [5](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/page/5) [6](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/page/6) [7](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/page/7) [8](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/page/8) [9](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/page/9) [Next](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/page/8) [![LearnFast](https://www.learnfasthq.com/hs-fs/hubfs/images/LearnFast_logo.png?width=150&height=77&name=LearnFast_logo.png "LearnFast")](https://www.learnfasthq.com/) [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/LearnFastGroup/) [Follow us on LinkedIn](https://au.linkedin.com/company/learnfastgroup) [Follow us on Instagram](https://www.youtube.com/user/learnfasteducation) Connect with Us: **Phone:** 02 8467 4888 Email: info@learnfastgroup.com.au --- Copyright © 2026, LearnFast A & NZ [Privacy Policy](https://www.learnfasthq.com/privacy-policy) ![](https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=399243313606159&ev=PageView&noscript=1)