Description
Book SynopsisActivating the Learner's Brain promotes a Learner's Brain Model, using brain research to understand the nature to the learner. This book goes beyond lesson planning as it addresses instructional delivery, use of assessments, Consolidation for Closure, reflection and includes rubrics for professional growth. The first chapter is devoted to addressing planning and executing instructional delivery answering the question: do I teach for competency or performance? Following lesson execution, the subsequent chapter discusses assessments. Are assessments of learning or for learning, or both? Assessments are used to collect data as well as a strategy called Consolidation for Closure Once the data is collected, the data is analyzed and used for subsequent lessons. A critical component for success is reflection and the last chapter provides reflective questions teachers and students can use.
Trade ReviewAs an educational practitioner who has worked closely with Dr. Barbiere for the past few years in closing the achievement gap in my school, I am excited to learn about this new text and the research base for which it is rooted. What is different about Dr. Barbiere's approach is that he uses a combination of brain-based learning and self-regulation of learning to help guide learners through practical approaches that educators can employ immediately in their classrooms. What's more, Dr. Barbiere stands behind his espoused practices: he is in classrooms every day and has the benefit of having observed and implemented his tools in literally hundreds of classrooms in all socioeconomic and demographic populaces. Dr. Barbiere shares practical tools and strategies for the educator to employ. More significant is that these practices help the learner to self-motivate, reflecting actively on their own learning and using these strategies to monitor their own progress. This is an empowering and important strategy for learners, especially those with learning and/or demographic disadvantages. I endorse this text with full confidence that once the reader utilizes any or all of the research-based strategies discussed, you will see immediate differences in your classroom, school or district, as I have in my own, thanks to the guidance and measurable methods provided within the text. -- Michael Gaskell, principal, East Brunswick Public Schools
As a Principal, I have often used materials created by Dr. Barbiere ("Doc") to improve teaching and learning in our school. Our focus has been on the most salient practices of instructional leadership and we have had great results! The materials are an adaptable resource and have offered a practical approach to coach and mentor our teachers. -- Michael Heidelberg, Perth Amboy Schools
Dr. Barbiere’s wealth of proven successful experiences improving student’s social, emotional, and intellectual lives shines through Activating the Learner’s Brain. We can learn from this master by reading his straight-shooting, practical strategy book that combines the best years of experience and the widely regarded research and literature. I see Activating the Learner’s Brain in every school’s professional learning community study group! -- Scott Taylor, superintendent, Highland Park Schools #allinhp; adjunct, Rutgers University and Montclair University; facilitator, Academy for Social-Emotional Learning in Schools
Table of ContentsDedication Foreword Preface Acknowledgements Chapter 1: Lesson delivery Chapter 2: Using Assessments Chapter 3: Consolidation for Closure Chapter 4: Reflections Chapter 5: Sample Lesson Plan Appendix: Rubric 1: Questioning Rubric 2: Student Engagement Rubric 3: Student Interviews Rubric 4: Coaching Walk using the Learner’s Brain Model
