I was fortunate to attend the Grow Dendrites: 2o Strategies that Engage the Brain conference presented by Marcia Tate. After viewing myself teaching a few weeks ago, I realized that I needed something new... I have one class that I see for two class periods every day, so I needed to find a way to get them more engaged and excited about learning. This class is for kids struggling with English, so they come to me with a not-so-enthusiastic attitude. So, I decided to attend this conference, and I am thrilled that I did!
Marcia Tate is a very engaging and funny presenter. It was great to feel like a student again, and to have so much fun doing it. Dr. Tate has 20 strategies that she uses to engage the brain for better comprehension and retention, not to mention student enjoyment in the class. I struggle with transitions in my classroom, so when Dr. Tate used music to move us from one activity to the next I knew that I was at the right conference. It is music with a purpose, not just for the sake of music. My goal is to work on this for the rest of the semester. She has written several books, including one on what type of music to use in any given lesson. This is definitely on my Christmas wish list. :)
Another interesting approach that she uses was in regarding to partners and grouping. She required that we find two "dates" for the day. At various times through the conference, we had to go on our "dates" to review what we were learning. Her philosophy is that two brains are better than one, and that when students interact and help one another, they are learning better. We were also ducks and geese. Instead of partners bickering about who will do what, kids just pick a duck or a goose. Then, when it comes time to get something done with a partner, there is no discussion about responsibility. The teacher simply says who will complete the task - the duck or the goose. This is another one of my goals, to include more group/partner work in class. Students do not need to work together all the time or for large amounts of time. Simply getting them out of their seats and acting out information or quickly reviewing with a partner can make a great difference in a classroom.
I encourage any teacher who needs to liven things up or remember what it means to have fun in the classroom to attend one of her workshops. What an amazing feeling! She also teaches a great deal about how the brain functions and why teenagers do really dumb things! I have included a few websites that offer more information on Marcia Tate and her brain research as well as the publishing company for her books.
Corwin Press
Developing Minds, Inc.
Bolero in Paris
14 years ago
Which of Dr. Tate's books talks about what type of music to use in a lesson?
ReplyDeleteI have seen her before! Actually, I have been given two of her books. Unfortunetly, I don't think I have put much into action. I guess I do feel like if I can at least take one new thing away from something like that, then it's satisfying. I think I still use and remember some of the facts about the brain that she shared during her presentation. Fun! Good luck and let us know more about how it's working out in your classroom-
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of "dates". Students pairing up just to recap, review, or explain what is going on, I think it is a valuable strategy. I often tell my students that if you still don't understand, ask for clarification or ask a friend to explain. They might be able to explain it in a different way that makes more sense. This would make a great "date" in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteI'm also interested in the use of music in the classroom other than just playing it for atmosphere. I would like to know more about what Marcia says about using music...
Sounds like an awesome conference!
Carmin, I am not sure which book Dr. Tate lists all of the music choices in. I plan to email her publishing company to find out more information. I will let you know as soon as I find out.
ReplyDeleteLeah and Colette, I have done a few things since attending the conference, but not as much as I had hoped. It seems like teachers come away so pumped up after conferences, but once we are back in our classrooms the enthusiasm dwindles. I was gone two days this past week, so I am still working on incorporating the dates and music. My kids have gotten together a few times to review. It has also got me thinking of different bell ringer reviews and closure activities in the classroom. I will be sure to post when I have tried the strategies.