Books, Brain-based Learning

The 7 Best Books on Brain-Based Learning

At Trainers Toolbox, we simply can’t get enough of this topic, the way our brain works is too fascinating!

Brain-Based Learning is one of the foundations of a memorable, deep and impactful learning experiences.

When we build learning that is adapted to the way that brain works - to our mechanisms of attention, memory, processing - that is when the learning truly happens.

Here are 7 great books that will help you build your knowledge not only about your training, but also about yourself!

The Elephant in the Brain

The authors pull back the curtain on how our minds deliberately deceive us so we can better deceive others about our true intentions. By understanding these unacknowledged blind spots, you'll gain a much sharper, more honest look at everything from politics and charity to your daily social interactions. If want to explore what the hidden motives behind your behaviour are - you will need to confront “the Elephant in the Brain”.

This guide bridges the gap between complex neuroscience and practical classroom strategy, showing you exactly how factors like stress, movement, and emotion reshape a learner's mind. Armed with these insights, you can move away from rigid lectures and design an environment where engagement and memory retention happen naturally. Understand how the brain systems affect learning, and how you can positively influence the brains of your students and trainees.

Brain Rules

Medina offers you a framework of 12 Principles to improve your own ability to thrive. You will gain a deep understanding of the brain’s functions and how to get the best out of it.

Explore the best books for trainers

Discover a treasurebox of insights & tools on our Ultimate Booklist for Trainers – it is our all time favorite list that Trainers Toolbox alumni can’t stop raving about. 

Ultimate Booklist for Trainers Facilitators Toolbox

For everyone who’s interested in neuroplasticity, this might be the book! The conclusions that can be drawn about human potential are deeply inspiring.

The Extended Mind

Annie Murphy Paul explains us how to think outside the brain – in order to use mental extensions such as our body, environment and relationships. This book is full of practical advices on how we can think better - and help others to do so too.

How do we think, what are our capabilities or biases?
Daniel Kahneman is a pioneer in the psychology of judgment and decision-making, as well as in behavioral economics. He describes how we make choices, when we can trust our intuition and how we can benefit from understanding how we think.

Brain-Based Learning

Grab this book to explore great insights on how the brain actually learns and how an optimal learning environment would look like.

Books are amazing (we at Trainers Toolbox truly love a good read!), but, as you know, learning truly happens when you put all these new concepts and ideas in practice.

When you try them out, reflect on them and discuss them with other trainers, get feedback and explore new approaches in practice.

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About Mirna Šmidt

Trainer & facilitator with 18+ years of experience. Founder of Trainers Toolbox & Happiness Academy. On a mission to help trainers create deep, science-based learning experiences that actually stick. Let's connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mirnasmidt/