Brain+Compatible+Learning

NSDC Conference Summary Sandy Dietz At the National Staff Development Conference, I attended two sessions by two different presenters on the topic of brain-compatible trainings and presentation skills. Although both sessions were designed to assist those who serve as presenters or group leaders, there were implications for the classroom teacher as well. Both presentations began with basic information about the brain and how connections are made for new knowledge to be retained. Both also gave general information about climate and comfort aspects for participants at a presentation or meeting. The item I would like to share is a list of methods and modalities to engage participants/students for improved learning. The presenter noted that some type of engagement activity should be provided every 12 minutes. Types of Engagement we discussed and practiced are listed below. Summary Highlights Rhyme/Rap/Song Slogan Comparison Question Speculation Acronym Alliteration Examples Reflection Five Modalities presented were: Writing Drawing Silent Think Time Discuss with Partner Discuss with Teacher/Presenter Combining the types of Engagement with the Five Modalities offers a great number of possibilities. For example, a teacher/presenter could stop after 12 minutes of presentation and ask students/participants to write a summary, draw a summary, or think about a summary of the material. Students/participants might be asked to write an alliterative sentence, work with a partner to develop an alliterative sentence, or draw a picture of something that alliteratively represents the material just presented. At today’s District PDC meeting, I will model one of these forms of engagement.