Grey Matters: Teaching the way the brain learns

In conversation: Mariale Hardiman

3/17/2014

Have you ever tried to put together a puzzle without having the end result image to reference? It's hard to do. Yet that's what we do with students all the time. We give them work, content, and leave out the connections - telling them how it all fits together. The brain is designed to look for connections and if those connections aren't being made or facilitated, students will tune out.

Keep them engaged by helping them look for connections. Help them to relate it to previous material they've learnt or are learning; to their lives; to other classes; to pop culture. It's all connected. Think web.

Support this documentary here:
http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/grey-matters-teaching-the-way-the-brain-learns

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Brain Target 3: Real World Connections

3/15/2014

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In conversation with Justin Holbrook:
If they're learning something in class that they can't use in the real world or they can't find the connection to the real world, I feel like it's a waste of time. And it's my job to facilitate those connections.

Resources & Conversations:
http://www.wise-qatar.org/content/real-world-learning-bringing-education-life

http://www.ascd.org/publications/books/103113/chapters/Making-Learning-More-Real-and-Lasting-for-Students.aspx

http://blogs.kqed.org/mindshift/2012/10/should-kids-schoolwork-impact-the-real-world/

Donate to this film: http://t.co/Pom8Kfqnzq

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How to engage your students and create a supportive classroom.

2/19/2014

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Teachers often think their job is solely about filling their students' heads with knowledge as efficiently and effectively as possible, yet students say knowing their teacher cares makes a huge difference in their engagement levels. “If they believe I can do it, I believe I can do it," says Bri Parker, high school senior. Research from the neuro and cognitive sciences indicate cognition and emotion are intricately connected in terms of brain structure and function. Simply put, if your heart's not engaged, neither is your brain!

Here are 3 ways teachers show their students how much they care, on a regular basis:
“I write inspirational quotes on sticky notes and as I walk around the class, I subtly place them down for a select student. I keep track in my grade book so that I can mix up who receives them”. Vicky Krug, Professor, Westmoreland County Community College
“I ask them non-content related questions about work, sports, etc.” Jeremy Mettler, Batavia High School
“I praise for specific things like pushing in chairs, listening skills, etc.” Justin Holbrock, Roland Park Elementary Middle School.

Connect:
www.facebook.com/greymattersdocumentary
www.twitter.com/changethelens
info@changethelensproductions.com

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In conversation: Mariale Hardiman

Brain Target 3: Real World Connections

How to engage your students and create a supportive classroom.

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