School of Education at Johns Hopkins University-The Art of the Changing Brain
by James E. Zull I had an interesting time picking a title for my book. A lot of clever things were possible, like "Using our heads," or "Making a smart brain," but none of them seemed satisfying. But even though John chose the title, I like it a lot. What, then is this art? The first part I would mention is the art of challenging the whole brain. The next part of the "art" has to do with the foundation on which these pillars stand. This part of the "art" then, is that the teacher must find ways that the learning itself is intrinsically rewarding. The biological basis for these claims are described in the book. Another key part, perhaps the key part, of the "Art" is the art of helping students find connections with their past beliefs and experiences. The "Art" of working with these connections can be thought of as having two components. The second component is the skill of building on existing connections, even when they seem wrong. But never fear. About the Author
How to Organize Digital Information: Web sites, blogs, and more
“The flood of data on the Web has reached mind-boggling proportions.” (NPR, 2010) So many websites, blogs, online newsletters … so little time. How can we keep up in the digital world? What is Personal Knowledge Management (PKM)? The System to PKM The first and essential component to effective management of digital information is the system itself. Find the right tool or application to manage your digital content. 1) The Tool There are many tools to choose from for managing and sharing digital information, yet the selection of the tool is critical, it can make or break your system. Pealtrees: I discovered Pearltrees, which is a fluid and intuitive tool that allows me to manage digital information easily. 2) The Knowledge – My Categories The image below illustrates my ‘trees’ which are the main topics or categories of interest to me. To expand a ‘tree’ I simply click on the circle associated with the category. 3) The method Like this: Like Loading...
School of Education at Johns Hopkins University-News from the NeuroSciences; Articles
12 Brain/Mind Learning Principles in Action – One Author's Personal JourneyRenate CaineEducation professor introduces her twelve organizing principles for how the brain/mind learns and how to use that information to enhance student learning. Brain Science and EducationNoboru KobayshiDirector of Child Research Net discusses implications of brain research for education and reports on a recent conference on that topic in Japan. What is "The Art of Changing the Brain?"James E. Special Education and the Concept of NeurodiversityThomas ArmstrongA well known educator and author describes how new research on neurodiversity is very much in line with contemporary psychology's new approach to "positive psychology" and will be fundamental in changing the attitudes and outlook of people toward children in special education programs. The Significance of EnrichmentMarian Cleeves DiamondDiamond describes the physiological changes in the brain in response to differences in environment. The Brain . . .
School of Education at Johns Hopkins University-News from the Neurosciences: Recommended Reading
Brain-Based Learning and Research BibliographySteve Krasner How People Learn: Brain, Mind, Experience, and School Committee on Developments in the Science of Learningby John D. Bransford, Ann L. Education on the Edge of Possibilityby Renate Nummela Caine and Geoffrey CaineAssociation for Supervision & Curriculum Development, April 1997ISBN: 0871202824 MindShifts: A Brain-Compatible Process for Professional Development and the Renewal of Educationby Geoffrey Caine, Renate Nummela Caine, and Sam CrowellZephyr PressISBN: 1-56976-091-8 12 Brain/Mind Learning Principles in Action: The Fieldbook for Making Connections, Teaching, and the Human Brainby Renate Nummela Caine, Geoffrey Caine, Carol McClintic, and Karl KlimekKlimek Corwin Press, November 2004ISBN: 1412909848 Boys and Girls Learn Differently! Magic Trees of the Mind: How to Nurture Your Child's Intelligence, Creativity, and Healthy Emotions from Birth Through Adolescenceby Marian Diamond and Janet L.
Howard Gardner, multiple intelligences and education
Howard Gardner, multiple intelligences and education. Howard Gardner’s work around multiple intelligences has had a profound impact on thinking and practice in education – especially in the United States. Here we explore the theory of multiple intelligences; why it has found a ready audience amongst educationalists; and some of the issues around its conceptualization and realization. Contents: introduction · howard gardner – a life · howard gardner on multiple intelligences · the appeal of multiple intelligences · are there additional intelligences? I want my children to understand the world, but not just because the world is fascinating and the human mind is curious. Howard Earl Gardner’s (1943- ) work has been marked by a desire not to just describe the world but to help to create the conditions to change it. One of the main impetuses for this movement has been Howard Gardner’s work. Howard Gardner – a life Howard Gardner was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania in 1943. Mindy L. Conclusion
8 Ways to Use Music in the Language Arts Classroom
One doesn't need Bach in the background to qualify as having used music. There are many ways to trigger the benefits of music in, say, a Language Arts class, that doesn't require too much knowledge of music in general. Why Use Music? Music can be used to help control a classroom environment or to support the content within that class. Music is also a way to build community and to share yourself as a teacher. The week after I saw The Lego Movie, every period that walked into my middle school classroom was greeted with "Everything is AWESOME!" Reciprocally, I never thought I'd actually appreciate K-pop until my students shared it (sort of in thanks for me turning them onto some Danny Elfman scores). Music helps create a classroom environment of creativity, but I would also add that it helps make the brain more receptive to deeper critical thinking. The Activities But what do you do if you don't have a lot of knowledge about music? #1 Songs to Teach Academic Vocabulary #2 Lyrics as Poetry
3 Guidelines to Eliminating Assessment Fog
Consider what it's like to drive through a heavy morning fog. It may be a busy highway where brake lights blink in and out of the haze, or a neighborhood road where the familiar details of buildings and trees are obscured by a gray curtain that implies shapes without clear form. Such driving conditions bring tension as we seek any details that will keep us on the road, and not hit a car or miss a sharp turn. Assessment fog holds similar dangers of miscalculation for accurately diagnosing student needs. 1. Scenario: Tammy, a classroom teacher, is frustrated. The heart of quality learning is having clear learning targets. Use the academic criteria list as a filter to align all assessment strategies such as observations and rubrics. 2. Scenario: The sixth grade math teacher reviewed student grades for the semester.
