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Brain-Compatible Learning for the Block

Second Edition
By: R. Bruce Williams, Steven E. Dunn

Use brain-friendly strategies to maximize the benefits of extended time formats!

Written for novice and veteran middle school and high school educators, this revised edition demonstrates how block scheduling can increase instructional effectiveness and enhance the learning experience for all students. A practical toolbox for teaching in extended time formats, this book focuses on a four-phase lesson model of inquiring, gathering, processing, and applying. This second edition:

Provides detailed sample lesson plans
Examines how extended time formats impact student achievement
Explores various alternative scheduling formats
Offers updated research related to brain-based learning and block scheduling

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Product Details

Grade Level: PreK-12
ISBN: 9781412951845
Published By: Corwin
Year: 2007
Page Count: 224
Publication date: December 21, 2007

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Review Copies

This book is not available as a review copy.

Description

"Provides a clear understanding of the instructor's responsibilities when teaching in the block, explains what a brain-compatible class looks like, and gives sample lesson plans."
—Randy Thompson, Educational Consultant

"Educators who teach in a school system that utilizes block scheduling will find this text very useful."
—Melissa Awenowicz, Coordinator of Field Placement
University of Pittsburgh

Use brain-friendly teaching strategies to maximize the benefits of extended time formats!

Believing that block scheduling is one of the best environments for applying brain-compatible instructional methods, the authors have compiled a rich resource to show both novice and veteran teachers how to use brain-friendly strategies in extended time periods to deliver highly effective instruction and enhance learning for all students.

A practical toolbox for teaching in block schedule formats, Brain-Compatible Learning for the Block, Second Edition focuses on a four-phase lesson model of inquiring, gathering, processing, and applying. This approach helps learners identify what they already know about the concepts or skills to be covered in the lesson, collect new information related to the lesson topic, engage in activities that will help the brain store new information, and transfer what they've learned to real-life settings.

Written for middle school and high school educators, this second edition:

Provides detailed sample lesson plans
Examines how extended time formats impact student achievement
Illustrates how to focus the learning experience for students
Explores various alternative scheduling formats
Offers updated research related to brain-based learning and block scheduling

This book provides educators with concrete and accessible ideas for combining brain-based strategies with extended time formats and is an essential resource for making the most of block scheduling.

Author(s)

R. Bruce Williams

Bruce Williams has more than thirty five years of international consulting experience, and is noted for his expertise in group facilitation and in planning and team building methodologies. Williams' specialty is facilitating participative, interactive group workshops whether they are focused on strategic planning and consensus building or instructional methodologies for the classroom. He has conducted successful workshops on brain compatible learning and school change facilitation, and he frequently presents in the areas of cooperative learning, higher order thinking skills, and authentic assessment. With seven years' experience in teaching English as a second language in Japan and Korea, Williams is highly experienced in working with diverse populations. Thirty-six years' experience in adult training also make him a valuable resource in facilitating school change. In addition to conference workshops in 2002 in Australia and New Zealand, he has been invited three times to present workshops for teachers in Singapore. In April of 2004, Williams was the keynote speaker for 400 principals and teachers in Beijing.

Steven E. Dunn

Steven E. Dunn, Ed.D., currently resides in Wichita, Kansas with his twin sons. His two daughters live and work in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Dunn joined the School of Education faculty at Newman University in the fall of 2002. Before joining the Newman faculty, Dr. Dunn worked as an independent consultant beginning in 1992. His mission as a consultant was to provide professional development in effective instructional strategies, learning theories, service learning, curriculum development, classroom management, and related educational topics. During the decade he was a full-time consultant, Dr. Dunn was an author, trainer and consultant for several educational and business agencies including USAID Mission in Bosnia-Herzegovina Education Department Brcko District; International Youth Foundation in Skopje, Macedonia; Quest International and Lion’s International throughout the United States and in Iceland, Poland, and Lithuania; Skylight International Renewal Institute throughout the United States; Ted Anders Company from Atlanta, Georgia; National Children’s Educational Reform Foundation in Hartford, Connecticut and Dallas, Texas; American Management Systems and Army JROTC in Hampton, Virginia; National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE) in Denver, Colorado; and Church of God Hispanic Educational Ministries in Cleveland, Tennessee. Dr. Dunn earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Utah State University, and his Ed.D. from Brigham Young University. He was a high school English teacher and coach at Weber High School in Ogden, Utah. He has also taught on the faculties of Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio and Utah State University in Logan, Utah. Dr. Dunn currently teaches graduate education courses at Newman University.

Table of Contents

List of Tables and Figures

Preface

Acknowledgments

About the Authors

Introduction: Tools of the Trade

1. Physiology and Philosophy

The Brain's Structure and Function

Brain-Compatibility and Multifaceted Learning

Brain-Compatible Learning Climate

Sample Four-Phase Lesson--What's On Your Mind?

Reflective Questions

2. Four-Phase Lesson and Unit Design

Inquiring-Gathering-Processing-Applying

Four Phases Assist in Schema Development

Essential Questions

Attend--Experience--Reflect

Internal Structure

Integrated Assessment

Compare/Contrast Four-Phase Lesson With Traditional Lessons

Benefits of Four-Phase Lesson Design

Planning a Unit and a Lesson

Reflective Questions

3. Extended Time Formats Including Block Scheduling

Time for Brain-Compatible Learning

Alternative Scheduling Formats

Sample Four-Phase Lesson: Can Prejudice Kill a Mockingbird?

Reflective Questions

4. Content and Curriculum

To Cover or to Catalyze Learning?

Prioritizing Curriculum in Extended Time Formats

Brain-Compatible Curriculum

Sample Four-Phase Lesson: Circles That Cycle

Reflective Questions

5. The Art and Science of Teaching in Extended Time Formats

Opportunity for Growth and Change

Energizing Educational Principles

Brain-Compatible Instructional Strategies

Professional Learning Communities: Pathway to a New Paradigm

Reflective Questions

6. Assessment: Measuring Achievement and Growth in Extended Time Formats

The Right Stuff

Caught in the Act of Learning: Authentic Assessment

Assessment for Learning

No Child Left Behind (NCLB)

Testing Matters

Assessment in Four-Phase Lesson and Unit Design

Sample Four Phase Lesson: Science Schmience or Who Framed Sir Isaac

Reflective Questions

Bibliography

Index

Reviews

"Educators who teach in a school system that utilizes block scheduling will find this text interesting and useful."

Melissa Awenowicz, Coordinator of Field Placement
University of Pittsburgh

"Provides a clear understanding of the responsibilities of the teacher when teaching in the block, explains what a brain-compatible class looks like, and gives sample lesson plans. Useful for all middle school and high school teachers who are teaching in some form of block schedule."

Randy Thompson, Educational Consultant

Other Titles in: Brain-Friendly Teaching & Learning | Middle School Teaching Methods | High School Teaching Methods

Select Format:

Review Copies

This book is not available as a review copy.