WORKSHOPS & EVENTS

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21
PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS

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1. Applying Brain Research To Classroom Practice

A non-technical introduction to the structure and function of the brain will provide a foundation for brain compatible strategies, which can be used immediately in teaching and learning. Strategies, which support this concept will be modeled and explored. Based upon the research from cognitive psychology and neuroscience, strategies for developing academic vocabulary, improving motivation, attention, and memory; and increasing positive emotions will be highlighted. The basic needs of the brain for learning, which include positive emotions, are the bases for building an enriched learning environment.
Diane Y. Watanabe, EdD, Consultant, former Co-Director of the Institute of Learning, Teaching, and the Human Brain; and The Arts, Cognition and the Brain, Division of Curriculum and Instructional Services, Los Angeles County Office of Education
Richard D. Sjolseth, EdM, former Co-Director, The Institute of Learning, Teaching, and the Human Brain; Consultant, Gifted and Talented, Division of Curriculum and Instructional Services, Los Angeles County Office of Education

2. Using Memory Pathways for Long-Term Retention in Classrooms

For years, the "cram today, forget tomorrow" model of instruction and assessment has dominated the typical American classroom. However, we can replace this outdated model with one that promotes long-term retention. Using the S.E.E.P. model (Semantic + Episodic + Emotional + Procedural), long-term retention is virtually ensured. Intended audience: administrators and teachers of all grade levels and content areas.
Willy Wood, M.A., President, Open Mind Technologies; former high school and university teacher; national speaker on brain-based teaching

3. The Story and Science of the Reading Brain

This talk will describe how the human brain learned to read and how reading, in turn, transformed the intellectual life of the species and the individual reader. The implications of this evolutionary view of the reading brain will be discussed for the acquisition of reading, for developmental dyslexia, and for reading instruction and intervention. Will include other presentations.
Maryanne Wolf, EdD, Director, Center for Reading and Language Research Professor of Child Development, Tufts University; author of Proust and the Squid (2007) and Dyslexia, Fluency and the Brain (2001)

4. Brain 101: An Introduction to the Brain, Emotions & Neurosciences

The purpose of this pre-conference workshop is to introduce educators and practitioners to the anatomy and physiology of the brain and learning. The session will conclude with a discussion of the relationship between education, emotions and neuroscience, promising directions for applying neuroscience in the classroom, and the role of educators in shaping the future of cognitive neuroscience.
Mary Helen Immordino-Yang, EdD, Assistant Professor, Rossier School of Education; Research Assistant Professor, Brain and Creativity Institute for the Neurological Study of Emotion, Decision-Making, and Creativity, University of Southern California; author of "Making Sense of Brain Research in the Classroom" (2001, Council for Basic Education Journal)

5. Examining Promising Approaches for Working with & Including Children on Autism Spectrum: An Inside View

Since there has been no true comparison between educational/behavioral/developmental approaches for working with children on the autism spectrum, a qualitative research study was initiated to investigate Applied Behavioral Analysis, TEACCH, Daily Life Therapy, Miller Method, and DIR. Findings from this research along with other methods such as RDI and SCERTS will be discussed, as well as ways to develop accommodations for social inclusion of children with autism in education. Employing an autobiographical structure of life on the autism spectrum, you will explore some preliminary findings suggesting that current definitions of autism are lacking and require a more multi-dimensional approach, that autism spectrum as currently employed is too wide to be useful and many techniques are applicable, and that people with autism have something valuable to contribute to the community as a whole.
Stephen M. Shore, EdD, Adjunct Instructor, Antioch College; Board of Directors, Autism Society of America; author of Beyond the Wall: Personal Experiences with Autism & Asperger Syndrome (2001), and Autism for Dummies (2006)

6. Emotions, Meditation & Education: Calming Your Body, Quieting Your Mind
9:00 AM - 12:15 PM Cost: $175

Part 1: Enhancing your own life
Do you wish you could worry less and reduce your stress level? If you answered "yes", come to this workshop and explore the mind-body connection. Discover the relaxation response, a state of quiet in the mind and body defined by Herbert Benson, M.D. and colleagues at Harvard Medical School. The relaxation response results in many physiological and psychological changes such as decreased anxiety, decreased blood pressure, improved sleep and enhanced health and well being.

Part II: Enhancing your work in the classroom and the lives of students
This second part of the workshop demonstrates ways to bring these intentions directly to students. Studies show that regular practice of the relaxation response can result in positive changes in students including: improved grade point average, increased self-esteem, better work habits, better attendance and decreased psychological distress.
Rana Chudnofsky, EdD, Director, Education Initiative, Benson-Henry Institute for Mind, Body Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School
Laura Malloy, LCSW, Instructor, Education Initiative, Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School; A Kripalu-certified yoga teacher who teaches students and schools tools and strategies to reduce stress.

“MEETING OF THE MINDS” RECEPTION

SATURDAY, Nov. 22, 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM — Free & Open to All Attendees
Enjoy this opportunity to meet other attendees and some of the nation’s brightest minds. Also, neuroscientist Joseph LeDoux, PhD, will be in attendance to sign his books. Sponsored by THE DANA ALLIANCE FOR BRAIN INITIATIVES
Advance registration required on the registration form.

NETWORKING LUNCHES

SUNDAY, Nov. 23 12:15 – 1:15 PM Cost: $29.50 per person
You are invited to meet and dine with colleagues at this special networking lunch at the MIT Faculty Club. Advance registration required on the registration form.

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