I've had another great day in Napa. Dinner last night at the Culinary Institute was an adventure. Tonight, we ate at a wonderful Italian restaurant called Don Giovani's. I've already made the decision that tomorrow night, I'm going to opt for "normal" food. I can't take this anymore... even though I've enjoyed every bite.

We spent the day today processing what we learned yesterday from Dr. Gentile.  We used the 1-3-6 strategy which you may know, and then engaged in a gallery walk. This is truly one of the most effective and powerful strategies I know for synthesizing- and cementing- large amounts of information. Last night I felt somewhat overwhelmed by the massive amount of content that Dr. Gentile had covered. Tonight, I feel like I have a very good grasp on it. It's amazing how an appropriately selected brain-compatible instructional strategy can turn a "bunch 'o facts" into conceptual understanding! (Remind me to talk to you in February about this strategy.)

 

I shared yesterday that Dr. Gentile's message was that violent video-gaming and repeated exposure to violence in the media DOES negatively affect the brain. He stopped short of saying that these things CAUSE kids/ people to commit acts of violence, but what he has found (overwhelmingly- in study after study) is that exposure to violence in the media definitely increases aggression, and in combination with other risk factors, and in the absence of protective factors- DOES influence violent behavior. So interesting- and so scary!

A couple more key learnings from yesterday and today- regarding the effect of the media and violent video games on the brain:

Dr. Gentile: "We are probably never going to decrease the SUPPLY side of harmful content in the media. What we CAN do is work to decrease the DEMAND side." (and he gave us some great ideas for doing just that.)

"The real problem isn't the violence that is rampant in the media; it is the various forms of aggression, which is a broader problem. Violence is a small subset of aggression. The real problem is that our culture has evolved into a "culture of disrespect", and violence is the ultimate form of disrespect."

Tomorrow, we'll hear from Dr. Gary Small, author and researcher specializing in the effects of technology on the brain. The kids in schools today are literally "wired" differently than those of us who were not born into a world full of technology. Should be good!   More later!  I do love this stuff!

First Day in Napa

It's been a wonderful first day in Napa-  and not only because the weather here is sunny and mild!  The first day of our Brainy Bunch Renewals are always fun because we are able to reconnect with friends that we haven't seen since last January.  It really is a funny-feeling phenomenon-  to show up at the same time, same place, each January, and spend 4 days with the same basic group of people.  Then we all go home, and come back again a year later!  The years ARE flying by-  seems like only a few months since I was with all of these "like-minded" people.

Our speaker today was Dr. Doug Gentile, who is actually from Iowa State University!  He is a professor and researcher who studies the effects of the media- and especially violent video gaming- on the brain.  Dr. Gentile has authored several books on the topic, and is considered an expert in this field.  His research is vast- and his passion for the topic is evident. 

I'll spend this evening going through my notes and trying to synthesize them into a few major "key learnings".  Here is one-  the most obvious one:  Violence in the media and in video games absolutely DOES affect the brain-  and as you might imagine- in a very negative way!  Much of what he shared with us was scary--- but he used humor, as well.  Though overwhelming, it was a wonderful day of learning! 

I'm leaving now for an "adventure.  I'm driving "up valley" to have dinner at the Culinary Arts Institute, near Calistoga.  I'm told it is fabulous. Several of the friends I'm traveling with (2 from Salt Lake City, 1 from Seattle, 1 from Phoenix, and 1 from Iowa) love to cook, and they say that nothing else compares to a meal at the CAI.  I'm not a cook--- but I love to eat, so I'm sure I'll enjoy myself.

Tomorrow, we'll spend the day processing what we learned from Dr. Gentile today.  This is how Pat always sets-up these workshops, and this strategy is very effective.  We get information from "the expert", then have the opportunity to TALK about what we've learned with our fellow learners.  Tomorrow will be an opportunity to practice what is called "elaborative rehearsal."  We'll rehash what we learned, we'll draw upon prior knowledge and experience from all class members, we'll paraphrase, clarify, and question...  and we'll "cement" our new learning. 

More later!  I'm off to have a fabulous meal!   Julie

Finally!

Hello Everyone- especially BBLers.  Let me begin by making a “true confession.”   I am a procrastinator.  There.  I’ve admitted it.  That’s the first step in recovery, right?  

The thing is, I have so many good reasons for procrastinating—really good reasons!  You see, my intent was to make a blog post every two weeks or so, between our November class and our February class.  What I wanted to do was keep your brains engaged- to some extent- in our “brain learning”- during our long stretch of time apart.  My intent also, was that all of you could enter into a sort of “conversation” by making at least two blog posts yourself during that time.  (either original topics you want to share, or responses to posts others have made.)

Early on, my “excuse” was that I didn’t have anything to blog about.  So I didn’t.  During the last month however, I’ve seen so many programs, articles, etc. that have to do with the brain----  news of the brain has been EVERYWHERE!  So recently,  my “excuse” has been that there was too much to write about!  Where would I begin?   AUGGGHHHH!  

So now you know what I meant when, at the end of class in November, I told you not to worry about being inundated with blog posts to read, because I wasn’t that good of a blogger.  Well, that’s still my story.  I'm a TERRIBLE blogger-  and I'm trying to accept that fact about myself and stop feeling guilty about it. 

Tonight, I find myself up against a deadline.  (a procrastinator’s best friend)  Tomorrow morning, I’ll be leaving for Napa, California and the 2013 “Brainy Bunch Renewal.”  This is the networking group that I’ve told you about- facilitated by Dr. Pat Wolfe.  This year, 35 members will attend and our guest speakers will be two neuroscientists who have studied the effects of violence in the media, video-gaming, and technology- on the adolescent brain.  Pretty timely content, eh? 

 

My intent is to make a couple of blog posts this week- to keep you abreast of what I’m learning.  Typically at these workshops, I return to my hotel room each evening excited about telling someone- anyone- about what I’ve learned!  I’ll do my best to use my Blog as a reflection tool-  as a way to capture my thinking while it’s fresh--- and to “cement” what I’ve learned before it escapes me.   We’ll see how I do!

There have been so many “brain in the news” stories lately! 

Did any of you hear the news story last week about Junior Seau?  He was the pro football player who- last May, at the age of 43- took his own life?  An autopsy of  Seau’s brain (done at the request of his family) recently revealed  that he suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE.  The repeated concussions that football players (at all levels) often suffer, have been the topic of much study over the past several years.  The link below will take you to an article about Seau and what Drs. have discovered about CTE.  (When I played the video, the picture wasn’t clear- but the audio was perfect.  So… if you’re interested in this “brain topic”, you may want to read the article and “listen to” the video.)

http://aol.sportingnews.com/nfl/story/2013-01-10/junior-seau-cte-concussions-suicide-dead-brain-disease-chargers-lb

There have also been great pieces aired on

·         *  A groundbreaking new treatment for stroke victims that significantly limits the long-term damage to the brain…

·         *  Research studies that are implanting electrodes into the motor cortex of the brains of amputees, allowing them to control their prosthetic limbs with their thoughts… (AMAZING)

·        *  A program developed by a guy named Greg Gage that aims to bring introductory neuroscience into middle schools and high schools across the country.  (Google Backyard Brains, or Neuroscience in a Box)

·         * An MSNBC piece titled  “More than Just a Game”-  about the positive effects of gaming on the brain 

The Brain!   It’s everywhere!

The other thing that I want to talk to you about is what I’m learning about my OWN brain!  In November, I took on a part-time job that I’m absolutely loving:  I’m designing curriculum materials- in the form of on-line- learning modules- for teaching newly hired drivetrain engineers and technicians at John Deere.  Now… you may be wondering, ‘what does Julie Crotty know about drivetrains?’   The answer to that question would be “nothing”!   But I’m learning!  I’m working with two wonderful engineers, both of whom would have made fabulous teachers. They are feeding me the content, and I’m packaging it into brain-friendly modules that will be more effective (hopefully) in bringing new-hires up to speed.  So I’m getting a crash course in John Deere tractor lines, transmission types, emission levels, controller hardware and software, and much more!  In addition to doing this work for John Deere, I’m making notes about how MY brain is learning this stuff.  I’m trying to be very metacognitive about the strategies I’m using- as I attempt to learn something that is as foreign to me as anything could possibly be.    The amazing thing to me is, that I’m Doing it… and I’m loving every minute of it. 

More about this later. I’m anxious to talk to you face to face about my “ahas”--- because what I’m finding is that I’m utilizing specific strategies  that ALL teachers can teach to their students.  Actually, what I’m finding is that all of the brain-compatible strategies that I’ve learned over the years really do work- for me-  as a learner!  

OK.  I must finish packing my suitcase!  You’ll hear from me again soon!

North Cedar Elementary, Cedar Falls

I had the opportunity to visit a school today- North Cedar Elementary in Cedar Falls.  The reason for my visit was to learn more about a program that the school has implemented, called The Leader in Me.  It's a program based on Stephen Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.  The 7 Habits have been taught and infused into every aspect of the school's curriculum and culture. 

I knew that I would see great teaching- and great students- in a great school, (I had visited a few years ago), but what I saw today took my breath away!  I think the best way to share what I saw and heard, is to copy and paste the e-mail I sent to Jen Hartman, the principal, following my visit. 

May 22, 2012

Hi Jen,

Where do I begin?  First, thank you for being so welcoming to me- on such short notice! Making the visit to North Cedar was exactly what I needed in order to get a “feel” for The Leader in Me in action. 

I knew that I would see great teachers at work… with great kids… in a wonderful learning environment.  That’s what I have known existed at North Cedar for many years.  However, what I saw and heard today really did blow me away!  Your school exemplifies excellence in every way.

The physical environment:  shiny, clean, uncluttered, orderly, attractive…   and so very welcoming!  I took note of everything that was on the walls- in classrooms and in hallways- as I know that what is displayed sends a clear message to visitors about what a school is “all about”.  I saw the 7 Habits everywhere- in so many different formats!  It’s pretty easy to tell that The Leader in Me is infused throughout North Cedar!  In addition, every single thing that appears on your walls carries a positive message.  It just makes one feel good to be at North Cedar!  I was particularly impressed with the many examples of student work that were displayed--- and in almost every case, I could find a connection to the 7 Habits!  Your teachers are brilliant in the way they weave those habits into everything they do!  I especially loved the display on Presidents-  the Birth Announcement to Tombstone idea, and I just smiled when I read, in very small writing on one of the posters,  “Do you think any of these men began with the end in mind?  Do you think they wanted to become President from the time they were young?  Do YOU want to become President?”   Again-  brilliant!

North Cedar is obviously a very safe and orderly environment.  I was impressed by the way both staff and students interacted with me- and with each other.  Students in the hallways were purposefully making their way around---  were very polite to me- a visitor- and were anxious to help when I asked for directions, or had questions about their school.  Staff members were incredibly welcoming to me, as well.  You can tell that they are used to having visitors drop in.  Not once was I made to feel as though my presence was an inconvenience to them.

I noted in several classrooms, what I read about in The Leader in Me book-  teachers masterfully weaving the 7 Habits into their existing curriculum.  I heard teachers talk about synergizing, win-win, think first, etc.  and I heard students respond by using the language of the 7 Habits.   Data notebooks were explained to me by two first grade girls, and they did a wonderful job!  What was really interesting to me was how they “negotiated” the sharing.    One said, “How should we do this?  Should we take turns?”  (They were asking this of each other- not of me-  I was just the listener)  The girls shared responsibility for explaining- and were so very polite to one another.

I talked to students at several grade levels- asking them to talk about the 7 Habits- and in every case, the students could do it-  from Kindergartners in Art class, to 6^th graders- and everyone in-between.  They were knowledgeable, articulate, and seemed genuinely pleased to answer my questions.  It was easy to tell that they have a great deal of pride in themselves and their school-  and that they do indeed “feel” like leaders!

OK, are you bored yet?  Sorry, I’ve got more…  

Your teachers-  again, Excellence.  In every classroom that I visited, students were fully engaged in the learning activities.  More often than not, I saw teachers facilitating learning “on the side” rather than directing learning “from the stage.”  The positive relationships that teachers have developed with students is evident.  Teachers treat students with a great deal of respect, and students treat teachers with respect.  In every case, it appeared to me that the students understood WHY they were engaging in each lesson- and were truly interested in the classroom activities.  I also saw- over and over again- the use of brain-compatible teaching practices,  classroom cultures built on the science of human motivation, and some of the best examples ever of the Iowa Core’s Characteristics of Effective Instruction.  (What I always say, is that these CEI- because they are based on the science of learning- provide the right “cognitive conditions for learning.”  North Cedar is a showcase for those cognitive conditions.)

I could go on and on.  I know that you and your staff are proud of what you have built at North Cedar.  You have good reason to be.  I just wish that more educators could see what I saw this morning- and hear from your teachers and students-  It really is amazing.

Again, thank you so much for allowing me to roam your halls.  Your willingness to allow me that freedom speaks to the confidence  and pride that you have in your staff.  You KNEW that what I would see and hear would be perfectly aligned to the values that were displayed on all of your walls.  Please share these thoughts with your staff.  Visiting North Cedar has given me a good deal of hope- because I can see what is possible…   (And… it made me realize how much I miss being a classroom teacher!)  Teachers like yours are true heroes-  leaders---- and I want to “be like them!”

WOW!     Julie Crotty 

Video: The Brain and Music!

I'm excited to pass along another great resource for you!  My son (John) found this and posted it to my Facebook page.  It's a 6 minute YouTube video that illustrates the power of music on the brain.  We know that the brain loves music because of the patterns, the repetitions, the rhythms, etc.  We know that putting information to music makes it much easier to learn- and we know that information set to music, or a rhythm or rhyme, tends to STICK in one's memory!  Do you remember reading about the role that music therapy played in Gabby Gifford's recovery from her traumatic brain injury?  Music has been instrumental (no pun intended) in her regaining the ability to speak.

This video shows the effect that music has on an elderly man suffering from dementia.  One of the people interviewed is Dr. Oliver Sacks, a leader in the field of neuroscience.  (He has authored a number of books)  The video is short.  I hope you'll take time to watch it.  It will not only reinforce some of the things you've learned about the brain in class, but it will also make you smile!

(Thanks for finding this, John Crotty!  See?  You've become a brain-junkie--- just like your mom!) 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKDXuCE7LeQ&sns=fb

Several Great Articles- The Adolescent Brain

I'm preparing for Session #5 of the Brain-Based Learning Class that I teach for Archdiocese of Dubuque teachers.  During the afternoon session on Thursday, the topic will be the adolescent brain.  While preparing, I came across three wonderful articles that will be good reading for them prior to class--- or more likely--- after class.

Two of the articles are from one of my favorite sources for "novice-friendly" brain information:  National Public Radio.  The third is from Discovery News.

The Teen Brain:  It's Just Not Grown Up Yet   (NPR, March 2010)

Do Juvenile Killers Deserve Life Behind Bars?  (NPR, March 2012)

Teen Brain Wired to Take Risks  (Discovery News, May 2010)

If you're interested in understanding (if that's possible) the adolescent brain, you may want to take a look at these articles.   I was excited to notice that the article on teen risk-taking quotes Dr. Adriana Galvan, the cognitive neuroscientist who spoke at our most recent Brainy Bunch Network in January.  (She's the one pictured in my January post.)

Ever wonder what a neuroscientist looks like?  Well here you go.  (She's the one on the left)  This is Dr. Adriana Galvan, our speaker at today's session.  While she appears to be about 21 years old, the pages and pages listing her many publications, as well as her position as an associate professor and researcher at the Brain Research Institute at UCLA, are pretty sure signs that she's older than she looks!  Dr. Galvan is obviously brilliant, but also had a wonderful way of explaining very complex information to us in a way that was easy to understand.  She presented some of the research that she and her colleagues have been doing on adolescent brain development, and did it in such a way that none of us was ready for the day to end when 3:00 rolled around. 

My problem now, is figuring out how to "capture" what I learned- while it is fresh in my mind.  Dr. Galvan talked mostly about the research she has been doing regarding adolescents and risk-taking.  She also touched upon how the new information about the adolescent brain is creating a need for policy changes- particularly in regard to the juvenile justice system.

I had a number of "ahas" today!  Not only did I learn a lot from Dr. Galvan, but I felt very affirmed regarding how much I know!  I actually understood what she was saying!  It made perfect sense, and provided me with further depth- and better ways of explaining the brain to others.  I am very excited to go back and incorporate what I learned into my classes and workshops!  

So---  before I turn the lights off tonight, my plan is to read through my notes- from the first page to the last.  I'm going to made additional notes in the margins- and compose questions that come to mind to ask of the group tomorrow.  Then, I'll set my notebook aside and go to sleep, knowing that my brain will continue working on consolidating my learning--- while I'm sound asleep. 

Tomorrow- we'll hear from Dr. Jeb Schenk, an educator and author who will provide us with additional information about the adolescent brain, but from a different perspective.  Can't wait.