The 2nd annual Midwest Brain and Learning

Institute

June 24- 27, 2002

Midwest Brain and Learning Institute

June 24th –27th 2002Sponsored by

Hope College

Muskegon Area Intermediate School District

Ottawa Area Intermediate School District

Assistants

This year’s student institute assistants helped stuff packets, run errands, and

facilitate registration. During seminars, however, they were encouraged to

participate along with other area teachers.Kristi

Megan

Melissa Trevor

Intentional preparation helps the Institute run smoothly…

Steps to the Institute

Step 1: Register

Step 2:

Choose a

Seat

Step 3:

Check out the schedule

Step 4: Sit back and connect those dendrites

Kenneth Wesson

Ken Wesson captivated the Institute’s learners by introducing the “big picture” of the brain. He emphasized the importance of the arts in general education classrooms and commented on the importance of physical touch to our students’ development.

Mark Amenta

Mark Amenta enhanced the Institute with his special knowledge regarding movement and its impact upon learning. Educators that participated in Amenta’s presentation learned the function of the parts of the brain through cooperatively created movement skits.

Day 2: Science/Research

Dr. Harry Chugani presented the science behind learning. The presentation was enhanced by slides of a working brain at different developmental stages

Dr. Zielke presented some practical teaching applications based upon the science and research presented earlier in the morning

Marilee and Movement Morning

Movement early in the morning gets the brain working

Marilee illustrated the speed with which the brain works after forming connections with a beach

ball pass

Mini-Seminars

The afternoon afforded the opportunity to choose: More with Marilee, Movement with Cindy Strunk, and the Sul-Ross story with

Terri Patterson.

Day 4: Implications for the Classroom

Cindy opened the morning with movement to use in the classroom, including a favorite Car Wash Dance.

Martha discussed in detail just how brain based learning can be used as a teaching method.

Small Group Atmosphere

This unique institute had small groups for discussion to solidify learning.

In addition to learning clubs there was a day dedicated to local educators and presenters. Institute participants could choose which area was most applicable to their career.

Wrap-up

The institute closed with a one last cross-lateral “Car Wash” movement break, led by Cindy Strunk and a memorable learning metaphor presented by Hope College Chairperson and Institute Coordinator, Leslie Wessman.

See you next year

Monday, June 23

to

Thursday, June 26

2003