This book examines the fascinating, complicated, and useful topic of brain science..... This is no dry scholarly assessment. Rather, Watson uses scientific research, scenarios, and a healthy dose of humor...to explore a topic that all learners struggle with from time to time.... The book...encourage[s] you to think differently about your students and classroom and offers strategies for short- and long-term success without coming across as didactic.

Independent School

The clarity of Learning Begins helped me to access brain research and use it directly with my students. Together we have developed new strategies for learning, and I have noticed an excited increase in self-efficacy, as students try out new methods for improving their learning.

Kelley Brown, History Teacher, Professional Development Coordinator, High School 2010 MA History Teacher of the Year (Easthampton, MA)

Watson combines a healthy skepticism of “quick fixes” with a fervent commitment to informed, practical classroom solutions. His clear command over the working memory and attention research is exceeded only by his knack for telling a good story. This book feels as though you’re learning from a colleague who has not only done the thinking for you, but is happy to show you his work.

Stephanie Fine Sasse, Executive Director, The People's Science (San Francisco, CA)

Educators will find the information about the workings of the brain contained in Learning Begins extremely valuable. Watson presents complex and highly relevant theory in an engaging memorable manner and links that theory very effectively to relevant examples and practical suggestions. A highly skilled educator himself, Watson knows his audience and writes in a pitch perfect tone for that audience.

John C. Warren, Head of School, St. Mark's School (Southborough, MA)

Blending his deep knowledge of students and teachers and a sense of humor regarding both, Andrew Watson presents important insights for teachers across the educational spectrum. Importantly, Learning Begins provides teachers with research-based strategies and concrete examples that can be implemented immediately. This book is an important read for creating enduring learning experiences for students, a goal that all of us as teachers hold dear.

Michael Wirtz, Headmaster, Hackley School (Tarrytown, NY)

In a conversational style replete with teacher humor worthy of any faculty room, Learning Begins is a thoughtfully constructed and immediately useable teacher’s manual to working memory and attention. As with his in-person workshops, Andrew’s abundant, accessible, and fun descriptions of the neuroscience at play in the learning spaces throughout a school are relevant for any educator seeking to improve their craft.

Matt Young, Dean of Curriculum and Innovation, The African Leadership Academy (Johannesburg, South Africa)