Marcia Tate: Brain Based Learning

The session with Marcia was wonderful, I truly enjoyed the hands on activities that Marcia shared with us. I wish I had the time to sit down and totally rebuild my whole class and utilize all of the cool techniques that we saw. I guess for now that I will just have to settle for revamping a lesson at a time. I have taken several graduate level courses that were based on how the brain works and they are always so interesting. The funny thing is that I see myself in half of the examples that they give when they talk about the classes that are all written and boring. I was the student who had a difficult time focusing in class and keeping on task. I learned the hard way how to do different things to help myself focus. I wish that more of my teachers had practiced this when I was in school. If they had there is no telling what else I could have been successful at. I definitely plan on utilizing these skills in my classroom.

Marcia

I really enjoyed the session with Marcia Tate. It was eye opening. I couldn’t wait o share with my colleagues. I am so glad that we learned this information first-hand. I like the way she kept us moving and how she made the session humorous. Brain based learning is definitely the way to go. Worksheets do not stimulate students. Being a kindergarten teacher, I know the importance of movement and music. I have taught my students many concepts through music. I am definitely going to use those 20 instructional strategies in my classroom. These are sure ways to make learning exciting for the students while increasing their academic achievement. One thing that really stood out for me was the primacy-recency effect. I will definitely make sure I have a strong introduction to all my lessons as well as a good ending. Reviewing material 3 times was another thing that stuck with me from the session. I review all the time in kindergarten. This does help the students retain information.

Marcia Tate

Last week's class was one of the best I have ever attended. Normally, I am doodling and looking ahead during instruction (and I get onto my students about the same? hum). I didn't get off task once!
Interesting enough, Marcia covered lots of things I already do but really hadn't made connections as to why I do them. Over the weekend I looked at several projects we are working on at grade level and was surprised how modifying them just a little using some of the stategies we discussed made it possible to reach every child! I am very grateful for this opportunity!

January 22, 2009

I thoroughly enjoyed the day of inspiration from Kathi. She was upbeat and really knew what she was talking about. I cannot stand it when you go to workshops and the people are so far removed from the actual experience they are trying to teach you about. Kathi has spent most of her life in education and you can tell she has a true passion for the profession. I enjoyed her version of being a mentor as well as the tips she gave us. The new book we received that day the 21st Century Mentor's Handbook is a really neat book full of tons of ideas to help us better serve our mentee's. I have already made several copies of different activities to do with my mentee and think that they will be of good use to both of us. I have known my mentee for a few years but it will help me understand her way of learning and her preference of how she would like me to help her when she needs it. Some people prefer someone to help all the time!! Other people just like to know you are always there if you need them. I look forward to helping her.

Training was good-- enjoyed it. The book-- 21st Century Mentor's Handbook-- how will I use it? Since I actually like the format (font size and type) and the organization of this resource, I will probably actually use it. I need quick, easily accessible materials because the pace of the day in high school is "fast and furious."
I have already decided to use the checklists and graphic organizers found in Chapter IX Tools for New Teachers. By using these tools, I think I will be in a better position to recommend them. I had a fellow teacher suggest making copies of everything that looks remotely interesting / helpful and put it in a folder for my mentee!