VIDEO SERIES: Applied Educational Neuroscience by Dr. Lori Desautels

The Applied Educational Neuroscience Presentation Series introduces the ©AEN framework and also supports any in-person workshops, seminars, or presentations by Dr. Lori Desautels. 

This 10 Video Series (Each video is 20–30 minutes), focuses on the science behind the framework, practical applications, and how we integrate nervous-system-aligned, preventative, and relational practices into our discipline protocols. With clear slides and digestible topics, the series guides viewers in cultivating sustainable emotional, social, and physiological health.

Part One: Introduction to the Applied Educational Neuroscience Series

In the first part, Dr. Desautels introduces the Applied Educational Neuroscience framework (©AEN Framework), discusses how to use the resources, and provides an explanation of each of the four pillars and their role in our classrooms, schools, homes, and organizations.

Part Two: The Science Beneath Our Behaviors

In the second part of the series, we begin diving into the science beneath behaviors, explaining how Polyvagal Theory and the Applied Educational Neuroscience framework blend together with nervous system aligned practices for educators, parents, caregivers and administrators, along with mental health professionals. We then dip into the practices and science of Focused Attention Practices using movement and our breath.

Part Three: How Trauma and Adversity Impact the Developing Nervous System

In part three, we dive deeply into trauma and adversity and our survival responses, which are our nervous system’s ancient wisdom. We explore trauma logic and implicit memories, understanding what lies beneath our behaviors and those of our students, children, and youth.

Part Four: Adult Nervous System Health

In part four, we begin addressing pillar one of the AEN Framework, the adult nervous system. We explore our beliefs, neuroplasticity, conversations with our own nervous systems, bringing awareness and reflection to the children and youth we serve while attuning and attending to our emotional health.

Part Five: Emotional Contagion and Our Collective Nervous Systems

In part five, we focus on the nervous system, with topics covering how the brain interprets novelty, the contagiousness of emotions, the importance of embodied awareness, and practices for cultivating a desired emotional and mental dwelling place.

Part Six: Co-regulation and the Power of Touch Point

In part six, we discuss and reflect upon adult nervous systems, co-regulation, and the power of questions to create a “healthy, open, vulnerable collective adult nervous system state in our schools”.

Part 7: Discipline Behaviors and Co-Regulation

In part seven, we explore co-regulation, focusing on traditional co-regulation when faced with challenging behaviors and extremely dysregulated nervous systems. We also explore touch points and how those are integrated within the AEN framework.

Part 8: The Language of Our Nervous Systems

In part eight, we focus on sensation practices and the science beneath these applications, as we begin weaving the four pillars into how discipline is embodied through the lens of the nervous system.

The main topic of this part is sensations, which are described as the language of the nervous system and can be thought of as body feelings.

Part 9: Consequential Experiences

In part nine we discuss discipline in the context of applied educational neuroscience, beginning with an exploration of rituals. We discuss consequences, referring to them as “consequential experiences” which are distinct from traditional, reactionary, and in-the-moment consequences. Rituals are presented as a practice where “adults go first.” They are intentional and personal, providing protection, ease, and nourishment for the nervous system. Rituals are different from routines.

Part 10: Discipline Through the Applied Educational Neuroscience Framework

In part 10, the final video of the Applied Educational Neuroscience series, we look at practices that integrate all four pillars of the framework.