Credit:1-Quarter Hour
Clock Hours: 10 Contact Hours

Course Description

            The life of a child can be filled with violence; child abuse, domestic violence, bullying, television, video games, and movies all provide the developing mind of a child and adolescent with brain-changing messages.  Exposure to violence can have a dramatic, permanent life-long effect on how the brain grows and makes connects.  During this interactive workshop, participants will explore the short- and long-term cognitive, physical, and interpersonal consequences of both brief and repeated exposure to violence.  Learn how to mitigate the increased risk these students face in their lives and help them successfully learn to set goals, problem solve, make solid decisions, and to communicate with others.

Course Objectives

To increase understanding of brain development; brain anatomy, neural growth and development, synaptic formation.

To increase understanding of the consequences of exposure to violence regarding brain development, learning, and behavior; child abuse, domestic violence, television, video games, and movies.

To review the latest research regarding the cognitive and social consequences of exposure to violence on the brain development of children and adolescents.

To identify strategies to help to mitigate the negative effects of violence on learning and behavior.

Student Expectations

Attend all class sessions.

Actively participate in class discussions and activities.

Complete a written assignment by designated completion date.

Level of Application

This course focuses on application and implementation levels.

Target Audience

Teachers, classroom assistants, counselors, administrators, club and activity advisors of students of all ages preschool through twelfth grade parents and community members, law enforcement officers and everyone who works with children.

Methods of Instruction

During this course, the instructors methods of instruction will include lecture, large and small group work activities, brainstorming, videotape presentations and/or participant presentations.

Grading Criteria

All participants must complete a written assignment to receive college credit. This course if offered for a letter grade. The following requirements are grading guidelines:

45% In-class activities, including Socratic Circles, group discussions and assignments

15% Class participation

40% Written assignment completed outside of class

Texts and Required Learning Materials

Participants will receive required text and materials the first class session.

Plans for Transferring Skills into the Work Setting

Methods for encouraging the transfer of newly acquired skills into the work setting will include discussion and problem solving groups; reading; sharing of successful strategies in class, and practicing new skills during the workshop.

Suggested Bibliography & Video References

Participants will find a complete reference, print, and Internet. Additional listings will be distributed during the course.

Assignment Options

Using what you know about the effects of violence on learning, reflect on your classroom and/or school setting with emphasis on what changes need to be made to reduce threat in an effort to improve student achievement.

Using the information you have learned in class, design a lesson or series of lessons for students regarding the impact and consequences of exposure to violence on the brain and what they can do to sculpt healthy brains.

Create a display that illustrates the effects of violence on the developing brain. Include your target audience, the purpose, and goals of your display, and how you will judge the effectiveness of your display.

Using the information you have learned in class, design a mini in-service for your co-workers regarding the impact and consequences of exposure to violence.

Create an assignment that meets your specific needs and/or interests. Check with the instructor.