Inspired Educator Inspired Learner: Experiential, Brain-Based Activities and Strategies to Engage, Motivate, Build Community, and Create Lasting Lessons

JENNIFER STANCHFIELD

ISBN: 978-1-939019-13-4 SIZE: 7.75 x 9.25 PAGE COUNT: 272

A successful and rewarding approach to teaching and learning can be created by connecting the dots between experiential education theory and methods, brain-based research, differentiation or personalized instruction, social-emotional learning, 21st century career readiness, and a strength-based attitude toward teaching.

Inspired Educator Inspired Learner explores experiential, brain-based techniques for engaging learners emotionally, physically and intellectually in academic or training content while practicing important social-emotional skills and building a positive, productive, and supportive learning community. Educators will find creative strategies to differentiate instruction and cultivate 21st century learning—strategies that will get participants moving, talking, reflecting and keep them engaged with multiple pathways to learning, reviewing, and synthesizing lessons. The innovative reflective techniques offered throughout increase relevancy, meaning, depth of understanding, and create connections between educational experiences and real life.

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Table of Contents

Introduction Connecting the Dots About This Book A Map of the Book Chapter One: It’s an Exciting Time to Be an Educator Evidence-Informed Practices That Inspire Educators and Engage Learners Enduring Themes and Supporting Science What is Experiential Education? What is Brain-Based Learning? Neuroplasticity: We Can Change Our Brains! Create Multiple Pathways to Learning Emotions are Integral to Learning Joyful Learning Get Their Attention and Keep It Get Them Moving: Physical Activity Improves Learning Get Them Talking and Keep Them Engaged Play and Executive Function Reflection Creates Meaningful Connections and Lasting Lessons Table 1.1 Principles of Experiential Education and Brain-Based Learning Tenets Activity List for Brain-Based Approaches to Learning Chapter Two: Innovative Approaches to Teaching A Framework for Participant-Centered Learning Experiential Education Connects the Dots Between... Differentiated Instruction: Don’t Dismiss It Learning for Real Life: 21st Century Skills Development Social-Emotional Learning Strength-Based Teaching: The Power of a Positive Mindset Example Activity List for Innovative Educational Models Chapter Three: The Power of Play and Collaborative Learning The Why Behind Using Interactive Activities and Games to Teach Playful Learning Harnessing the Power of Play to Teach Chapter Four: The Inspired Educator  The Art and Science of Teaching and Group Facilitation  Tips, Tools, and Mindset Attitude is Everything Adaptation Allowing for Labor in Learning Educator as Guide The Collaborative Educator Exploring Healthy Group Norms The Right Ingredients at the Right Time/Sequencing and Scaffolding  Choice, Control, and a Sense of Ownership The Practice of Ongoing Reflection Don’t Be Afraid to Try Something New! Designing and Re-Imagining the Classroom Space Group Discussions Versus Hand Raising Attention Getters Innovative Strategies for Dividing Groups Facilitating Healthy Competition Cultivating Creativity Chapter Five: Strong Beginnings  Engaging Learners From the Moment They Walk in the Door Starting Off With Style Find a Hook! Chapter Six: Get Them Moving, Talking, Reflecting and Keep Them Engage Multiple Pathways to Learning Experiential Activities, Academic Content Review, and Formative Assessment Can a Lecture Be Experiential? Review and Formative Assessment Chapter Seven: Making the Most of Your Time Multiple-Purpose Activities That Teach Integrating Community Building, Social-Emotional Learning, and Academics Chapter Eight: Building a Strong Foundation for Learning and Life  Collaborative Games and Activities to Promote Social-Emotional Learning, Community Building, and 21st Century Skills Recipe for a Positive Learning Environment Commonalities and Rapport-Building Activities The Importance of Names/Activities Collaborative Problem-Solving and Communication Activities Appreciating Others and Positive Group Norms Activities Time Management, Planning, and Goal Setting Activities Just for Fun With Some Learning on the Side Games for Transitions/Fun Filler Activities Chapter Nine: Bringing Learning to Life With Reflection  Creating Meaningful, Lasting Lessons With Reflective Practice The Key Ingredients The Challenges of Facilitating Reflection Student or Participant-Directed Reflection Weaving Reflection Throughout Chapter Ten: The Reflective Educator Meaningful Self-Reflection and Record Keeping to Improve Your Practice Experiential Lesson Planning Questionnaire Acknowledgements Activity List/Alphabetized Purpose List Resources Bibliography Index