--- title: The Learning Success Blog | Brain Science description: Brain Science | The Learning Success Blog --- - [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 Posts about # Brain Science [![](https://www.learnfasthq.com/hs-fs/hubfs/yelling%20angry%20boy-1-1.jpeg?height=200&name=yelling%20angry%20boy-1-1.jpeg)](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/5-signs-of-oppositional-defiant-disorder-4-ways-to-help-an-odd-child) [Brain Science](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/topic/brain-science), [Podcasts](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/topic/podcasts), [Behaviour](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/topic/behaviour) ### [5 Signs & 4 Ways to Help an ODD Child](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/5-signs-of-oppositional-defiant-disorder-4-ways-to-help-an-odd-child) ![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) Does your child argue a lot – with you or teachers?  Does he or she seem to anger easily?  Is this behaviour worrying you? It could be quite normal – just a phase your child is going through. On the other hand they may have oppositional defiant disorder, also known as ODD. There are five signs which can point to ODD, according to Dr Martha Burns.  In a conversation on the Learning Capacity Podcast, she described the signs and discussed how to help a child who has this disorder. [Read More](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/5-signs-of-oppositional-defiant-disorder-4-ways-to-help-an-odd-child) [![](https://www.learnfasthq.com/hs-fs/hubfs/learn-ga9a09e839_1920.jpeg?height=200&name=learn-ga9a09e839_1920.jpeg)](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/9-tips-to-improve-how-you-learn-your-learning-capacity) [Brain Science](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/topic/brain-science), [Learning Capacity](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/topic/learning-capacity) ### [9 Tips to Improve How you Learn & Your Learning Capacity](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/9-tips-to-improve-how-you-learn-your-learning-capacity) ![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) If you ask teachers and parents, and even some older students, for tips on how best to learn, you will get lots of advice. Some based on their personal experience  - what worked for them - some on what they have seen work for students and some derived from research. In his book "[How We Learn – The Surprising Truth About When, Where, and Why it Happens](http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/221559/how-we-learn-by-benedict-carey/)”, Benedict Carey includes some tips based on scientific research. Of the nine tips below, the first eight come from Carey’s book and I have added a ninth: Increase Your Brain’s Capacity to Learn. Here are the tips: [Read More](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/9-tips-to-improve-how-you-learn-your-learning-capacity) [![](https://www.learnfasthq.com/hs-fs/hubfs/banner%20background-g8c9b096c1_1920%20brain-1.jpeg?height=200&name=banner%20background-g8c9b096c1_1920%20brain-1.jpeg)](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/5-essentials-for-effective-neuroscience-learning-capacity-programs) [Brain Science](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/topic/brain-science), [Learning Capacity](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/topic/learning-capacity) ### [5 Essentials for Effective Neuroscience Learning Capacity Programs](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/5-essentials-for-effective-neuroscience-learning-capacity-programs) ![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) How do educators sort through the hype surrounding brain-based "neuroscience" learning programs? Parents and educators have been seeing the benefits for students using well designed, research based brain training programs to improve their learning capacity. This has led more and more distributors of educational products to jump on the bandwagon and promote their products as "neuroscience based". So if you have been noticing more advertisments, emails and other promotions using the terms "neuroscience" and "brain-based" as a basis for their products, how do you know what are valid claims and what is simple opportunistic use of these labels? [Read More](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/5-essentials-for-effective-neuroscience-learning-capacity-programs) [![](https://www.learnfasthq.com/hs-fs/hubfs/hands%20up%20classroom%20uniform%20iStock_000059501620-2.jpeg?height=200&name=hands%20up%20classroom%20uniform%20iStock_000059501620-2.jpeg)](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/make-educational-neuroscience-work-in-your-school-7-tips) [Brain Science](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/topic/brain-science), [School](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/topic/school), [Learning Capacity](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/topic/learning-capacity), [For Principals](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/topic/for-principals) ### [7 Tips - Make Educational Neuroscience Work in Your School](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/make-educational-neuroscience-work-in-your-school-7-tips) ![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) Educators and schools around the world are increasingly using the knowledge, techniques, and programs developed from a new understanding of how our brains learn. They are applying neuroscience in their classrooms. **Why?** As an educator, you might be asking yourself why would I do this in my school? Here are some reasons why. Educational neuroscience can: [Read More](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/make-educational-neuroscience-work-in-your-school-7-tips) [![](https://www.learnfasthq.com/hs-fs/hubfs/brain-g89d5d3eb3_1920.jpeg?height=200&name=brain-g89d5d3eb3_1920.jpeg)](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/brain-wave-research-fast-forword-aids-language-based-learning-problems) [Auditory Processing Disorder](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/topic/auditory-processing-disorder), [Brain Science](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/topic/brain-science), [Dyslexia](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/topic/dyslexia), [Fast ForWord](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/topic/fast-forword) ### [Brain Wave Research: Fast ForWord Aids Language-Based Learning Problems](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/brain-wave-research-fast-forword-aids-language-based-learning-problems) ![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) Do you know what this means?: "*Brain wave oscillation bands appear to be a major mechanism co-ordinating billions of nerves across different brain regions to perform even basic cognitive tasks such as paying attention to someone who is talking and understanding what they are saying."* It's about brain science, language learning and reading, and it may help your children or students. [Read More](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/brain-wave-research-fast-forword-aids-language-based-learning-problems) [![](https://www.learnfasthq.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Brainwave%20HiRes%20(3)-1.jpeg?height=200&name=Brainwave%20HiRes%20(3)-1.jpeg)](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/educational-neuroscience-a-wave-of-change-for-teachers-students) [Brain Science](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/topic/brain-science), [Learning Capacity](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/topic/learning-capacity), [Educational Neuroscience](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/topic/educational-neuroscience), [For Principals](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/topic/for-principals) ### [Educational Neuroscience:  A Wave of Change for Teachers & Students](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/educational-neuroscience-a-wave-of-change-for-teachers-students) ![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) Is educational neuroscience a legitimate area of knowledge which can help teachers and students, or is it mostly "neurobabble" as some articles in the [Melbourne Age](http://www.theage.com.au/national/education/children-with-learning-difficulties-need-programs-based-on-science-not-anecdote-and-neurobabble-20150902-gjdhp6.html) and in [The Conversation](http://theconversation.com/so-much-talk-about-the-brain-in-education-is-meaningless-47102?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=The+Weekend+Conversation+-+3375&utm_content=The+Weekend+Conversation+-+3375+CID_4118e008986a67ccfada679e27f0e800&utm_source=campaign_monitor&utm_term=So%20much%20talk%20about%20the%20brain%20in%20education%20is%20meaningless) have recently suggested? The authors of both these articles correctly point out that there is an increasing amount of brain-based language in education discussions. And also that much of the 'brain' and 'neuro' language being used has little scientific basis. But that does not mean all discussion of the role of neuroscience in education should be dismissed as useless "neurobabble". In fact educational neuroscience is now a recognised scientific discipline which is being studied in some of the world's leading universities including Stanford, Columbia and Vanderbilt in the USA and Cambridge University in the UK. [Read More](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/educational-neuroscience-a-wave-of-change-for-teachers-students) [![](https://www.learnfasthq.com/hs-fs/hubfs/brain-78440_1280.jpeg?height=200&name=brain-78440_1280.jpeg)](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/sarah-2.0-recovering-from-chronic-brain-inflammation) [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), [Adult Brain Fitness](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/topic/adult-brain-fitness) ### [Sarah 2.0: Recovering from Chronic Brain Inflammation](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/sarah-2.0-recovering-from-chronic-brain-inflammation) ![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) What happens if you suffer chronic brain inflammation?  How does it affect you, physically, emotionally and cognitively? And what can you do to help you recover? Sarah Rasborsek, a young, healthy, successful woman enjoying her life, was stricken by brain inflammation.  Her world was turned upside down. I met her via a Learning Success Podcast interview in February 2019, where she explained what had happened and how difficult her life had become. Now  a little over a year later, Sarah spoke to me again on another episode of the Podcast. She has made significant progress in her rehabilitation. But she explains she will be unlikely to return to how she was before the inflammation. She describes herself as a new Sarah - Sarah 2.0. [Read More](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/sarah-2.0-recovering-from-chronic-brain-inflammation) [![](https://www.learnfasthq.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Brain_changes_itself_reader_3-png.jpeg?height=200&name=Brain_changes_itself_reader_3-png.jpeg)](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/the-brain-that-changes-itself-by-dr-norman-doidge-book-review) [Brain Science](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/topic/brain-science), [Fast ForWord](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/topic/fast-forword) ### [The Brain That Changes Itself by Dr Norman Doidge: Book Review](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/the-brain-that-changes-itself-by-dr-norman-doidge-book-review) ![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) Dr Norman Doidge's best selling book, “The Brain That Changes Itself” did more than any other to change our view of the brain’s ability to “rewire”. While Dr Doidge published it over a decade ago, it remains an easily readable, fascinating account of how we came to know that brains are “plastic”. Scientists, educators, and parents had believed brains are “hard-wired” - our abilities are limited by the structures in our brains. In “The Brain That Changes Itself” Dr Doidge explains how that old belief has been replaced by the knowledge of “brain plasticity" – our abilities can be changed and improved by various forms of mental exercises. [Read More](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/the-brain-that-changes-itself-by-dr-norman-doidge-book-review) [![](https://www.learnfasthq.com/hs-fs/hubfs/DrMarthaBurns1-407381-edited.jpg?height=200&name=DrMarthaBurns1-407381-edited.jpg)](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/attention-listening-skills-and-fast-forword-dr-burns-update) [Attention](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/topic/attention), [Brain Science](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/topic/brain-science) ### [Attention, Listening Skills & Fast ForWord - Dr Martha Burns Update](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/attention-listening-skills-and-fast-forword-dr-burns-update) ![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) "Neuroscience now is very interested in attention disorders.", says Dr Martha Burns. **Dr Martha Burns is a neuroscientist, author of over 100 journal articles and multiple books, and a leading expert on how children learn. She explained:** "So what we were talking earlier about listening skills, that's the term teachers use. Listening skills. Can the child sit in the classroom and pay attention to me? Listening skills is auditory attention. One of the great things about [Fast ForWord](http://www.learnfasthome.com.au/how-to-get-started/programs/brain-training/)is it builds auditory attention. One of the best studies that's independent, that it has a control group, is on [auditory attention](http://blog.learnfasthome.com.au/blog/how-can-i-tell-if-my-child-has-auditory-processing-disorder). [Read More](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/attention-listening-skills-and-fast-forword-dr-burns-update) [![Devon Barnes - learning difficulties specialist](https://www.learnfasthq.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Devon%20Barnes%202017.4-1.png?height=200&name=Devon%20Barnes%202017.4-1.png)](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/devon-barnes-35-years-in-the-learning-difficulties-mindfield-) [Learning Difficulties](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/topic/learning-difficulties), [Brain Science](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/topic/brain-science), [Podcasts](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/topic/podcasts) ### [Devon Barnes: 35 Years in the “Learning Difficulties Mindfield” .](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/devon-barnes-35-years-in-the-learning-difficulties-mindfield-) ![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) Learning difficulties are based in the mind, or more specifically in the [brain](https://www.learnfasthq.com/the-neuroscience-of-learning-and-fast-forword-by-doctor-martha-burns), according to speech pathologist and learning difficulties specialist Devon Barnes. She has been working for the past 35 years with children who have a wide range of learning challenges. In an discussion with learning support teacher Moya Gibb-Smith, Devon describes the challenges for parents in what she calls the "Learning Difficulties Mindfield". And gives some advice on how to sort the hype from reality when parents are trying to decide how to help their child. What's the first thing a parent should do it they are concerned their child may have a learning difficulty?  Speak to the child's teacher, says Devon. [Read More](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/devon-barnes-35-years-in-the-learning-difficulties-mindfield-) Prev [1](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog) [2](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/topic/brain-science/page/2) [3](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/topic/brain-science/page/3) [Next](https://www.learnfasthq.com/blog/topic/brain-science/page/2) [![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)