12 Principles for Thriving and Surviving at Work, Home, and School
Are John Medina's 12 Brain Rules Still Scientifically Accurate?
Yes. A 2023 peer‑reviewed review concludes that newer research continues to validate Medina’s original 12 rules and supports their relevance across modern learning and cognitive science settings. [ijefm.com]
Medina’s rules are also grounded in peer‑reviewed, replicated research, which he specifically cites throughout his book, Brain Rules.
What Are the 12 Brain Rules?
1. Exercise – Exercise boosts brain power
Aerobic activity improves cognition, memory, and executive control.
Video:
Exercise boosts brain power (Vimeo)
2. Survival – The human brain evolved, too
Human intelligence is shaped by evolutionary pressures favoring adaptability.
Video:
Survival (Vimeo)
3. Wiring – Every brain is wired differently
No two brains are alike; experiences rewire the brain (neuroplasticity).
Video:
Wiring (Vimeo)
4. Attention – We don’t pay attention to boring things
Emotion, novelty, and meaning drive attention.
Video:
Attention (Vimeo)
5. Short‑Term Memory – Repeat to remember
Working memory is limited; repetition strengthens encoding.
Video:
Short‑term memory (Vimeo)
6. Long‑Term Memory – Remember to repeat
Repeated retrieval helps consolidate memory long‑term.
Video:
Long‑term memory (How memory works – Vimeo)
7. Sleep – Sleep well, think well
Sleep enhances attention, memory, and problem‑solving.
Video:
Sleep (Vimeo)
8. Stress – Stressed brains don’t learn the same way
Chronic stress impairs memory and learning.
Video:
Stress (Vimeo)
9. Sensory Integration – Stimulate more senses
Multisensory experiences enhance learning.
Video:
Sensory Integration (Vimeo)
10. Vision – Vision trumps all other senses
Visual input is processed faster and retained better than other sensory information.
Videos:
11. Gender – Male and female brains are different
Sex‑based differences exist in emotional processing, stress responses, and certain cognition patterns.
Video:
Gender differences (Vimeo)
12. Exploration – We are powerful and natural explorers
Curiosity drives learning; the brain thrives on exploration and novelty.
Video:
Exploration (Vimeo)
🎥 Additional Full Presentations
