Reflect on the content presented and what you have learned in the last ten weeks.
· What were some of the most important concepts that you will take away from this class?
· How has the content informed or changed your practice as a result from taking this course?
· What goals might you set for yourself regarding what you would like to know and be able to do by the time you have completed the certificate program?
We get stuck in routines. This includes routines of thought and routines of practice. It can be difficult to step out of that comfort zone, but it can also be very beneficial. Take, for example, the persistent belief in the variety of neuromyths discussed at the beginning of this course. Even when science can prove that a belief is untrue, it is very hard to let go of the training drummed into us. However, we do our students a disservice by clinging to these neuromyths and basing practice on them.
Additionally, it is fascinating how the primitive brain still has the first say as to what happens to stimuli that enters the brain. Taking that knowledge and capitalizing on it is fundamental when using the BTT method. Emotions, physical space, and designing the learning experience knowing how the brain best responds in these situations allows us to be better educators.
Already I am advocating for activities and classroom practices that take the brain targets into consideration when talking with my peers. I am stepping outside my comfort zones and trying new ideas directly in my classroom that take these into consideration.
As I move through the courses in this program, I would like to move beyond where I am just trying elements in the classroom. I would like to implement a full scale BTT program (longer than one unit) to really get into the thick of it. Once comfortable, I would like to bring my co-workers in to observe and discuss it as well.
Hi Christina,
ReplyDeleteJust three days ago I attended an all day workshop sponsored by my state education department where neuro-myths were running rampant! The whole morning presentation was devoted to right brain/left brain, learning styles, and multiple intelligences. My good buddy knowing what I was thinking leaned over and whispered, “Are you going to burst his bubble?” NO, I kept my mouth shut. However I just might email the speaker Dr. Willingham’s YouTube talk about Learning Styles later this month. Then the poor fellow will have to throw out a three hour presentation or at least revise it to reflect new research. And you wonder why these myths are still around….that’s why!!!!
Well, if anyone can implement the BTT program in the technology lab it is YOU, Christine. You have been a wonderful resource to all of us these last ten weeks. Dr. Hardiman has mentioned to me more than once how impressed she is with your wealth of technology knowledge.
It will be great for your fellow teachers if and when you decide to do some staff development on Brain Targeted Teaching. Let me know when you plan to do this. I may be able to offer you some advice.
Meanwhile, allow me to suggest a great website for you to visit. Promise me that you’ll check out this very informative website - ASAP. It’s McGill University’s “The Brain from Top to Bottom.” I have been using this as my “Go To” site for about the last six years or so. The generous folks at McGill continue to up-date and improve the site as new research becomes available.
Here is the link:
http://thebrain.mcgill.ca/index.php
Best regards,
Sharon
Thank you for the kind words Sharon!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE to share all the ideas and resources that are bouncing around in my own brain. It is especially fun to see what the next person can do with them as they add, modify, and improve on it all!
This article, The Importance of Teaching Mindfulness, is one I have just shared with staff. We are now thinking about how to get some of this into our daily/weekly routines. http://blogs.kqed.org/mindshift/2012/04/the-importance-of-teaching-mindfulness/
The MBT program is fascinating and I am enjoying it tremendously. It really is giving me the opportunity to look closely at what I am doing in the classroom and make some good changes/improvements.
What a GREAT resource from McGill! As an aside, I almost applied to go there for a semester but ended up staying put at UNH. A friend of mine went however and had a great time. Can't wait to dig deeper into this fantastic resource. Thank you for it!
I hope to interact more with you as the MBT program progresses!
Christina