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Promoting Brain Compatible Teaching in the Schoolhouse

It has been said that the "single most important factor explaining differences in student achievement is the quality of work that schools and teachers provide to students" (Schlechty, Phillip, 2001).  This session will examine the role of brain compatible teaching practices in the effort to "leave no child behind" in the teaching and learning process.  Participants will examine findings about "five natural learning systems" (Given, Barbara) in the brain, and what impact they have on a students' learning experiences.  They will also see modeled and will practice a variety of brain compatible teaching strategies.  Finally, they will examine how to promote the schoolwide use of brain compatible teaching practices.

Participants will have the opportunity to:

• examine how the mind processes information
• identify and discuss attributes of powerful learning experiences
• explore the brain's "five natural learning systems"
• discuss and practice brain compatible teaching strategies
• review a variety of approaches to promoting brain compatible teaching practices
• create a plan to build schoolwide norms that support effective teaching practices
• reflect upon personal next steps