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