The BTT (Brain Targeted Teaching) Puzzle

The video “Brain Targeted Teaching Model Overview” was assigned viewing for week 1 of our Explorations in Mind, Brain, and Teaching course.  At just over 9 minutes, the video gives a brief overview of the BTT model with the narration of our instructor Dr. Mariale Hardiman.

Watching the video, I jotted down notes that included my own questions on implementing this model in my teaching environment.  As a middle school computer/technology teacher that is also very interested in the brain, here are my thoughts:

Brain Target 1 – Emotional Climate for Learning

·         Connected & emotionally engaged = more powerful learning

·         Students want to be treated fairly, feel safe, loved, OK to take risks

THOUGHTS

At the mid school age, a high emotional window of development, how do we teach that it is OK to fail and to take risks within the safety of peer environment?

Brain Target 2 – Physical Learning Environment

·         Novelty is important to learning

·         We are attracted to novelty

THOUGHTS

How do I make the media (computer) lab more novel?  More comfortable?  Do I need to smooth the tech edges and bring in other elements?

Brain Target 3 – Designing the Learning Experience

·         The brain is a processor that likes to see the WHOLE first, wants the gist, not bit by bit.

·         A big picture of what students will learn is important so each small activity fits and makes sense.

·         Visual organizers of the entire learning experience.

THOUGHTS

I think that I can do this with the computer classes and like the idea very much.  Are there any examples of something like this for this curriculum?

Brain Target 4 – Teaching for Mastery (skills, content, concepts)

·         Repetition, more times done = more in long term memory

·         Must do this with different activities

·         Arts used as vehicle for content to make it come alive

THOUGHTS

How can I do this more with computers/technology?  The art studio is adjacent to the media lab and staff is willing to be involved, I just need to actively find activities that merge the two.

Brain Target 5 – Application & Extension of Knowledge

·         Real teaching = applying knowledge meaningfully in real world context

·         Innovative thinkers

THOUGHTS

How do I expand the depth of projects?  Is PBL or CBL (project based and challenge based learning) an effective method?  Do I devote more time for these?

Brain Target 6 – Evaluating Learning

·         Using a variety of methods and outcomes for assessment

THOUGHTS

This is something I am already doing, however can always improve upon.  I would like to add this more in our overall curriculum (tech integration) and teach the staff how important this is.  Any ideas are welcome.

Reflection of Online Learning Orientation Experience

Upon completing the Online Learning Orientation (a 2 week online facilitated course designed for students who are about to begin an online graduate program within the Johns Hopkins University School of Education) reflect on your experiences.

By Monday, in the blog you created during Week 1, post an entry in response to the following questions:

• What are your expectations for this program? What do you hope to accomplish?
• Now that you have a good sense of the types of online activities and the rhythms of an active participant, what steps will you take to be successful in this program?
• Where do you still need additional support to be successful? 

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My expectations are to have a greater understanding of how the brain functions and in particular how this affects learning.  In order to be an effective educator it is necessary to know how to reach each and every student.  Too many students get lumped into categories that don't do them justice and it is due to our own misunderstanding.  I hope to be an advocate for students and how their brains and learning are connected.  Fortunately, my co-workers are truly interested in this as well and are very open to discussions.

In order to be successful in the online community I need to be involved.  Asking questions and listening to others is a great way to begin.  Sharing experiences and ideas is also helpful.  Keeping up with assignments and activities is essential.

At the moment I do not see the need for additional support, but am comfortable reaching out and asking for help when needed.

Week 1 in the ELC - refreshing!

The idea of meeting everyone and working out the bugs before jumping into a course is fantastic.  This is the first time I have done this outside the regular timeframe of a course and I think it works well.  It has been a while since I was last in an online course, so the quick refresh is good for me.

Having a diverse group can be both challenging and exciting (I lean more towards describing it as exciting).  It will be important to remember that we are all at different places not only in our individual educations, but in life as well.  This can bring a wealth of perspectives to activities and discussions.  I need to keep an open mind, no matter what kind of day I have had, and be open to the possibilities that these various opinions and sets of experiences can bring to my own journey.

It is beneficial that I remember to be:

• positive
• helpful
• compassionate
• understanding
• myself

The subject matter of the brain and education is unique, fascinating, and can bring many different opinions and ideas together.  Approaching the tasks with enthusiasm will benefit not only myself, but all those around me as well.

As this is a reflection in the form of a great big "note to self", I wish to remind myself to get ready to work hard, be open, be ready to explore outside my comfort zone, make connections, and have fun along the way!

First synchronous communication as a group

For our first synchronous communication as a group, we were given the following to ponder:

Consider your own experiences in online learning, as well as the readings for the week, to prepare brief responses to the following questions: 

·         What time management tips and strategies can you suggest to help you and your classmates?

Just because this is an online course, don’t think the work will be insignificant.  Even though this is “on your own time” learning, there are hard deadlines.  Keep a calendar, get started early, and ask questions (both of your instructor and fellow classmates).

·         Without the visual cues that are found in face-to-face meetings, how can you convey your personality and tone in writing? What are some considerations when communicating online and strategies for communicating effectively?

Write in a word processor doc first, walk away for a bit, come back and re-read what you wrote.  When you are sure about your communication, copy & paste into appropriate forum.  Take the time to think through your answer.  Sarcasm is very difficult to convey through text-based communication, be descriptive in your irony! 

·         What tips and strategies can you suggest to help you and your classmates become more reflective practitioners during the online courses?

Bounce ideas off each other.  Ask questions of each other, use the discussion forums to actually discuss a topic and not just as an opportunity to voice only your opinions.  Don’t be afraid to make a mistake, put yourself out there and try something outside of your comfort zone.  Keep up with blog posts and be honest with your reflections.

Greetings!

Just a quick hello and Happy New Year as I begin my learning for the Mind, Brain, and Teaching Graduate Certificate through Johns Hopkins University School of Education.  I am fascinated by the brain and how we are all wired uniquely.  This feeds into my love of teaching as I wish to be as effective as possible for my students to succeed.


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