Book excerpt: "Overall this text is a very interesting read with significant applicability to both advisors and faculty. The creative advisor will have no problem synthesizing Materna′s ideas and theories of brain-compatible learning strategies into daily interactions with students and faculty." —Jennifer Varney, Hesser College "This outstanding book combines neuroscience and education to create an energetic and practical guide to the adult brain. You′ll finish it feeling as if you′ve just been entertained and enlightened." —Sheryl Feinstein, Augustana College Use brain-based learning techniques for powerful staff development! Brain-compatible learning promotes the brain′s natural capacity to learn, and more and more educators have been using this technique to help young students become successful learners. By combining adult education theory with brain-compatible learning, noted educator Laurie Materna offers practical, brain-friendly instructional approaches for working with adults in both informal and formal environments. This user-friendly guide provides valuable background information about adult learning styles, memory, and how the brain learns. Engaging, interactive strategies for classrooms or workshops include graphic organizers, music energizers, exercise activities, and self-assessments, and each strategy is accompanied by a wide range of real-life examples. Educators will be able to motivate adult learners to Become more self-directed in their own learning Improve their ability to recall, comprehend, and apply complex information Unleash their creative potential as they explore a variety of learning modalities Turn their education into a meaningful and rewarding experience Ideal for staff developers, trainers, principals, teacher leaders, coaches, mentors, adult education instructors, adult learners, and consultants, Jump Start the Adult Learner provides everything staff developers need to successfully implement this dynamic and learner-centered approach in any adult learning environment.