The Mockingbird Methodology is a model of effective instruction for nontraditional education programs. The biospychosocial instructional approach combines the latest research in neurobiology, psychology, and sociology with best practices in teaching, coaching, and mentoring to create transformational learning experiences for vulnerable learners.

Our approach surpasses a mere dissemination of knowledge or skills and instead aims to instigate profound shifts in learners’ perspectives, beliefs, behaviors, and even identities. Grounded in over 70 years of research, the Mockingbird Methodology prepares practitioners to teach, coach, and mentor non-traditional learners in specialized education programs such as workforce development, vocational educational, adult education, and other transformational models that blend academics with life skills and social services.

The transformative approach of the Mockingbird Methodology focuses on nurturing positive learner identities by cultivating learning-to-learn skills, self-efficacy, and resilience, particularly crucial for vulnerable learners who may have encountered challenges that have adversely affected their learner identity.

Additionally, the methodology works hard to help practitioners understand how vulnerabilities (such as academic deficiencies, trauma, chronic stress, homelessness, food insecurity, mental illness, under-employment, incarceration, etc) impact the learning brain and the learning experience of vulnerable learners and how and why this knowledge is critical for creating visible, safe, and active learning experiences.