This Learning & the Brain Summer Institute, led by Dr. Judy Willis, will take place on August 3rd through August 6th in Santa Barbara.  The Institute helps individuals and school teams develop the knowledge, skills and strategies necessary to responsibly apply neuroscience and cognitive science findings to the classroom to improve teaching and learning. The program offers participants an intensive professional development experience, drawing on the most up-to-date findings in affective and social neuroscience. The Institute emphasizes memory and retention and their roles in learning, motivation, attention and the culture of schools.  Key goals of the program are:

– Achieving a new understanding of students’ ability to be attentive and retain information
– Acquiring tools and strategies for improving curricula
– Improving instructional practice
– Enhancing student outcomes

The following questions will engage attendees:

– What does the current brain research tell us about the most effective approaches for learning?
– How can we work with the brain processing systems and sensory input filters to focus student attention and responsiveness?
– What is neuroplasticity and why does it matter?
– How can we construct more coherent and relevant instruction from the learners’ perspective?
– How can we teach for understanding and transfer?
– What assessment practices promote learning?
– How does stress impact learning?
– What motivates learners to try their best and what factors negatively affect student motivation?
– What classroom interventions assess and differentiate for each student’s level of achievable challenge?
– How can we improve student performance on standardized tests without excessive “test prep?”
– How can we make the most of Professional Learning Communities?