Sawyer Avoiding Death by PowerPoint: Active Learning in College

22/W 8:30 AM Van Sweringer

Type_Presentation: 3-Hour Pre-conference Institute

PresentationTitle: Avoiding Death by Power Point:: Active Learning in College

ProgramStrand_Primary: Brain Compatible Teaching/Learning

ProgramStrand_Secondary: Learning and Study Strategies

Presentation_description:

Current brain research on teaching and learning strongly supports an active environment for learning. This presentation of hands-on learning activities will be supplemented with brain research background. While most of the activities will be focused on reading and writing skills, they can easily be adapted across the curriculum. This session will be a little theory and a lot of fun!

Session_summary:

The purpose of this session is to provide participants with hands-on activities to facilitate learning in the college classroom based on current brain research. Although the basic brain concepts will be explained, the session will not be heavy on research. Three major brain maxims will be stressed: 1) Too much, too fast - won't last!, 2) Teach first, label later, and 3) Keep 'em movin! Participants will be provided with a packet of materials to be used to develop activities. In addition, each participant will develop a study guide to record information as the session unfolds.

Presentation outline:

I. Introduction and rationale for session

II. The Human Brain: Agree or Disagree? (Background knowledge check-

answer individually, then pair-share, then group response)

III. SQ3R Activity with M & M's

IV. Fold and go review books

V. Vocabulary Bingo

VI. Group discussion folders

VII.Pattern recognition activity

VIII. Music for classes

IX. Conclusion -

participants will be asked to list strategies modeled during

session and then reflect on how strategies might be incorporated

in their own classes.

Time for questions/answers/comments

Each participant will be provided with a packet of materials to be used in the hands-on activities, as well as a bibliography of selected brain research books and websites.

PresenterBio:

Charis Sawyer is a veteran teacher with well-over 30 years of teaching experience ranging from first grade to Chapter One to high school and college. She is currently teaching reading at Johnson County Community College. As a self-professed "brain-junkie", she has given numerous presentations for The League for Innovation, CRLA, NICSPOD, KCPDC, and community groups. She serves JCCC as an associate consultant for the Center for Teaching and Learning through staff development in the area of brain-compatible teaching and learning.