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

Course Description

Students who are motivated and actively engaged in their learning learn better. In this hands-on, participation focused workshop, participants will first review the basics of memory and learning. Then, using the work of Pat Wolfe, Eric Jensen, and others, participants will explore a wide array of activities that will promote and reinforce student engagement and learning. Participants will leave this workshop with a new set of skills and activities to make learning meaningful and relevant.

Course Objectives

To become familiar with the implications of current brain research regarding learning and memory.

To identify strategies and activities that help make learning meaningful and relevant.

Identify strategies to energize and revitalize your classroom and student learning.

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 elementary and secondary students and everyone who works with children.

Methods of Instruction

During this course, the instructors methods of instruction will include lecture, large and small group activities, brainstorming, guest lecturers, video 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:

60% In-class activities including, but not limited to Socratic Circles, small and large group work, and presentations

25% Class participation

15% 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 receive a complete bibliography, print and Internet. Additional resources will be distributed in class, as appropriate.

Assignment Options

Choose two of the activities from class. Modify them for your students or co-workers. How will you use these activities? Who will be involved? How will you determine their effectiveness?

Using the strategies you have learned in class, create two activities to use in your classroom. How will you use these activities? Who will be involved? How will you determine their effectiveness?

Create an assignment to meet your needs or interests. Check with the instructor.