The Brain in Simplified English
A collection of readings about the Mind, Brain, Education and related topics in simplified English. The readings are based on articles and topics that have appeared in our Think Tanks+. Use them with your students. Share them with colleagues. Read them yourself as a gentle introduction to some of the issues and themes discussed in the Think Tanks+.
Change is Good for You! By: Stephen M. Ryan
CEFR Level: B2
Word Count: 1,136
In our lives, everything changes. Some things change slowly, like the gradual change from hot weather in the summer to cold weather in the winter. Other things change more quickly, like the seconds on a clock.
How Doing Drama Activities Helps You Learn By: Stephen M. Ryan
CEFR Level: B1
Word Count: 1,295
Have you ever come across drama as a way to learn English? Maybe the answer is “yes” even if you don’t think it is: even reading a dialogue from your textbook using different voices is a kind of drama.
What Do Learners Need to Know About Their Brains? By: Stephen M. Ryan
CEFR Level: A2+
Word Count: 1,437
Brains. Everybody has one. Not everybody knows how to use one well. If you are trying to learn something (English, a skill for your hobby, how to make friends, etc.), your brain is your most important tool. The more you know about it, the better you can learn.
Teacher-Student Relations in the Classroom By: Stephen M. Ryan
CEFR Level: B1
Word Count: 822
Ready to learn? Teacher, textbook, classroom, classmates; what else do we need? Well, according to experts on both learning and teaching, the missing ingredient is love, the love of teachers for their students. The relationship between teachers and students is at the heart of learning.