Brain Rules (Updated and Expanded): 12 Principles for Surviving and Thriving at Work, Home, and School Paperback – April 22, 2014

Brain Rules by John Medina attempts to systematically define the limits of the human brain, thereby creating a foundation for understanding ourselves as well as our potential to learn, grow, and adapt. In the book’s twelve chapters, he guides us through twelve “rules,” each one scientifically based and backed with ample research. It’s true that some of his early chapters introduced ideas about the brain that were familiar: most notably that our brains evolved and are wired differently, and that stress and sleep deprivation negatively impact brain function. However, his insight on exercise, vision, memory, music, and gender provided plenty of insight to consider.I recognize in Medina’s research and writing a willingness to accept distinctions and variations outside of science. For example, his comments on sleep as well as stress acknowledge outliers that defy patterns in science. How much sleep does each person need? It depends. How much stress produces behavioral and neurological changes? It depends. With each topic of consideration, he seems aware of the beauty of individuality, which makes each human unique. The fact that he preserves this wonder at how humanity functions is nice in a scientific paradigm.Further, Medina concludes his book with a chapter on “Exploration,” a simply fantastic invitation to engage in the process of learning, reminding us of our own journey through his prose. The book concludes by reminding us of the necessity of curiosity. To be curious and to create environments that prioritize the brain (and its functions) should be the highest goal of educators and business leaders: a laudable goal, indeed.I applaud Medina’s ability to make the neuroscience coherent and readable, as well as practical. Additionally, I appreciate the implications for both business and education, both spheres of influence that could benefit from reconsideration of modern practices and norms.

John Medina breaks down brain science into a list of principals aimed directly at challenging your classroom and making your office more efficient with (mostly) practical application.After taking copious notes throughout the book and reflecting on how his principles and ideas could be implemented in my classroom, I find that I will likely be returning to this gem and it's ideas in upcoming years. Medina takes the complexities of the brain and breaks it down into basic language with 12 rules that are especially applicable to the classroom and the workplace.His writing is conversational and the narrative bounces between scientific experiments, personal anecdotes, observations and ideas to implement in your classroom and office.To a teacher, the chapters on memory, attention and exploration are probably the most useful, as they are loaded with ideas that could alter your classroom and instruction, if employed. Other chapters, such as those on sleep and memory, are of tremendous importance when it comes to informing your students on effective learning and living (and yourself).Some of the chapters (gender, music and sensory integration) are interesting, but don't possess the same sort of pragmatic daily applicability as the others.One of the best things about Medinas ideas and suggestions for the workplace is that he stops short of ever saying that 'this is the way it is'. Instead, he is transparent about when research has presented us with a frank 'we don't know yet' and a shrug of the shoulders.Another highlight is Medinas humor and clear fascination with the field. His writing is light and his wit is often at his own expense. A quick read of the book though would be a mistake, and I recommend absorbing the material and considering its application, especially if it pertains to your field.The only drawback to the book was that he included a section on 'More Ideas' for each chapter. Some were useful (take a nap during he afternoon if you can), but others are less pragmatic. For instance, he envisions a reimagined school environment in which students experience the same content three times a day, to enhance memory. The only problem is that he spends as much space explaining he idea as he does admitting he doesn't know how this would work. The research isn't clear he admits and also considers how interacting with the material numerous times might even confuse the student.Overall, this is phenomenal read and highly recommended!

Emphasizing twelve "rules" ranging from music and vision to gender and stress, the book explores our mind in ways that will, uhhh, make you think differently about how you learn and how humans developed. Emphasizing the continuous learning and recall abilities of the brain, the book is an interesting and engaging read for anyone looking to up their game or better understand others. A good read.

First, let me just say how much I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I love how John Media breaks down brain rules that can help us in everyday life. The book is very easy to navigate thanks to the contents section in the front of the book and the index in the back of the book. You can use these to refer to any page that you might need to look at. I was so engaged as he took me one a journey of how the brain works and how we can make changes to improve brain function. I particularly like how he uses scientific research and humor to make his points without coming off boring. He simplifies it with straight to the point rules and with words that explain his reasoning. As you continue to dive more into the book you start having more “ah ha,” “I didn’t know that,” and “That makes sense,” moments. Some of my favorite rules from the book are the exercise, sleep, and attention. These are some of the things that often get overlooked when we are talking about the health of the brain. He breaks down all those rules to show you how important they are and why you should incorporate them for the overall health of your brain. Without giving too much of the book away, he states that for the brain rule for Attention: “We don’t pay attention boring things.” If you’ve ever wonder why you can’t keep focused on that lecture class this might be why! I love the continuous ways to transform the way you think about your everyday life. If you are looking for a great read with informative ways to help you transform the way you think this is the book for you! This was such an awesome read!