BUILDING A BETTER SCHOOL WITH BRAIN-BASED LEARNING
http://www.edutopia.org/brain-based-learning-key-largo-school-video
A. This case is an impressive view at risk taking in an innovative educational environment. This K-8 school integrates brain-based instruction, hands-on learning, technology integration, and 21st century skills. The school focuses on students learning through brain research as they integrate teaching styles. The release date of the video was 2003, which made the case even more exceptional. At a time when test scores were critically important, this principal focused on quality instruction instead of test score accountability.
B. Teachers were given permission to be creative in meeting the needs of these low achieving students. Several unique models were in place. Students participated in cross age learning groups, theme based instruction and other approaches that enhanced interest and engagement. The 4th and 5th grade students made healthy foods and sold them to the teachers, the 6th grade students worked in a greenhouse focusing on horticulture and nutrition, the 7th grade students operated a radio show for the school and created PSA’s for local radio stations. With a passion for student centered learning, an 8th grade teacher incorporated movement, increased overhead display, and motivational lessons that brought her students from the 30th percentile to the 70th percentile in academic achievement.
C. This school identifies 21 styles of learning. Each student’s profile identifies his/her learning style and needs. Based on the needs of the students, a classroom environment will be adjusted. For example, the students with attention issues work in a room with dim desk lamps. I would like to learn more about learning styles and the unique approach to instruction in meeting students’ individual needs. It was also useful to see a school that is taking extreme risk and achieving a high level of success. Watching the students smile as they learn was commendable. I’m sure this school had children with challenging home situations and high levels of poverty, yet they were provided with positive and supportive and caring interactions from the teachers with every effort to meet the child’s individual needs. In was enlightening to see that a school can achieve such high levels of innovation.
This school gives me increased courage to engage in creative methods to instruction that go far beyond those that are typically explored in a school environment.
http://www.edutopia.org/brain-based-learning-key-largo-school-video
A. This case is an impressive view at risk taking in an innovative educational environment. This K-8 school integrates brain-based instruction, hands-on learning, technology integration, and 21st century skills. The school focuses on students learning through brain research as they integrate teaching styles. The release date of the video was 2003, which made the case even more exceptional. At a time when test scores were critically important, this principal focused on quality instruction instead of test score accountability.
B. Teachers were given permission to be creative in meeting the needs of these low achieving students. Several unique models were in place. Students participated in cross age learning groups, theme based instruction and other approaches that enhanced interest and engagement. The 4th and 5th grade students made healthy foods and sold them to the teachers, the 6th grade students worked in a greenhouse focusing on horticulture and nutrition, the 7th grade students operated a radio show for the school and created PSA’s for local radio stations. With a passion for student centered learning, an 8th grade teacher incorporated movement, increased overhead display, and motivational lessons that brought her students from the 30th percentile to the 70th percentile in academic achievement.
C. This school identifies 21 styles of learning. Each student’s profile identifies his/her learning style and needs. Based on the needs of the students, a classroom environment will be adjusted. For example, the students with attention issues work in a room with dim desk lamps. I would like to learn more about learning styles and the unique approach to instruction in meeting students’ individual needs. It was also useful to see a school that is taking extreme risk and achieving a high level of success. Watching the students smile as they learn was commendable. I’m sure this school had children with challenging home situations and high levels of poverty, yet they were provided with positive and supportive and caring interactions from the teachers with every effort to meet the child’s individual needs. In was enlightening to see that a school can achieve such high levels of innovation.
This school gives me increased courage to engage in creative methods to instruction that go far beyond those that are typically explored in a school environment.