Student Profiles

Todd Rose, Human Development and Education

Doctoral student Todd Rose was worried. It was the summer and as part of a Brigham and Women's Science Works program, he was tapped to teach urban minority students from the Boston area about a complicated subject: the brain.

Although he felt comfortable with the subject (his research focuses on learning disabilities and executive functions) and his students were smart (many showing promise of going to medical school), they were also young. Very young. They were only in the eighth grade.

"This was one of those experiences that Professor Kurt Fisher is talking about, where we have to be able to teach to all audiences," Rose said.

Ultimately, Rose had no trouble breaking down the complexity of the brain, learning, and memory by making the subject relatable for the students. "In terms of teaching about the brain, it is essential that you find ways to make the topics meaningful to the audience," Rose said.

One way Rose made the topic digestible for his young audience was to avoid making them memorize names of various brain structures, but learn through their own experience like feeling a jerking sensation as they fall asleep. "I can anchor a new concept about the brain to existing memories that are relevant to the student," he said. "Likewise, rather than just talking about a brain area like the amygdala in terms of how it is involved in things like fear, I would ask them how come they are afraid when they go to a scary movie, even though they know it is fake."

He also used commercials and advertisements as a way to illustrate how your brain learns.

The students, who responded with a standing ovation, truly seemed to understand what the brain was all about. Furthermore, Rose's work went over so well that he has received feedback from parents and Brigham and Women's Hospital. He was asked to come back next summer and design the curriculum for the program.

"It's great to help underprivileged kids, but at the same time, apply the skills and knowledge I'm learning in the Mind, Brain, and Education program," Rose said.

"This experience helped me realize the importance of the MBE program and what we bring to the table."