Transcript The 2 annual Midwest Brain and Learning

The 2nd annual
Midwest Brain
and Learning
Institute
June 24- 27,
2002
Midwest Brain and Learning
Institute
June
th
24
th
–27
2002
Sponsored by
Hope College
Muskegon Area Intermediate School
District
Ottawa Area Intermediate School District
Assistants
This year’s student institute assistants
helped stuff packets, run errands, and
facilitate registration. During seminars,
however, they were encouraged to
participate along with other area teachers.
Kristi
Melissa
Megan
Trevor
Intentional preparation helps the
Institute run smoothly…
Steps to the Institute
Step 3:
Check
out the
schedule
Step 1: Register
Step 2:
Choose
a
Seat
Step 4: Sit
back and
connect
those
dendrites
Kenneth Wesson
Ken Wesson captivated
the Institute’s learners
by introducing the “big
picture” of the brain.
He emphasized the
importance of the arts
in general education
classrooms and
commented on the
importance of physical
touch to our students’
development.
Mark Amenta
Mark Amenta enhanced the Institute with his special
knowledge regarding movement and its impact upon
learning. Educators that participated in Amenta’s
presentation learned the function of the parts of the
brain through cooperatively created movement skits.
Day 2: Science/Research
Dr. Zielke presented
some practical teaching
applications based upon
the science and research
presented earlier in the
morning
Dr. Harry Chugani presented
the science behind learning.
The presentation was enhanced
by slides of a working brain at
different developmental stages
Marilee and Movement Morning
Movement
early in the
morning gets
the brain
working
Marilee
illustrated
the speed
with which
the brain
works after
forming
connections with a beach
ball pass
Mini-Seminars
The afternoon afforded the opportunity to choose: More with
Marilee, Movement with Cindy Strunk, and the Sul-Ross story with
Terri Patterson.
Day 4: Implications for the
Classroom
Cindy opened the
morning with movement
to use in the classroom,
including a favorite Car
Wash Dance.
Martha discussed in detail
just how brain based
learning can be used as a
teaching method.
Small Group Atmosphere
This unique
institute had
small groups
for discussion
to solidify
learning.
In addition to learning clubs there was a day dedicated to local
educators and presenters. Institute participants could choose
which area was most applicable to their career.
Wrap-up
The institute closed
with a one last crosslateral “Car Wash”
movement break, led
by Cindy Strunk and
a memorable learning
metaphor presented
by Hope College
Chairperson and
Institute Coordinator,
Leslie Wessman.
See you next year
Monday, June 23
to
Thursday, June 26
2003