KDE teachers devoted 6 Monday nights over the summer to a book study about Whole Brain Teaching by Chris Biffle. Studies show that students who can teach their peers what they have learned score higher on tests than those learning for their own sake and understand the material better. Therefore, teachers explored the importance of using direct instruction as well as cooperative learning through students mirroring key points, teaching a partner, and eventually teaching the class. Whole brain teaching also has five simple classroom rules and many strategies for student engagement that make expectations clear & learning fun!
At two sessions, Ashley Beierle, Bethke Elementary’s ELA instructional coach, taught teachers key gestures from Whole Brain Teaching called brainies and how to adapt ELA lessons to be more interactive. Teachers were thankful that the books were provided at no cost and for the opportunity to learn about an innovative instructional approach. They can’t wait to apply what they have learned this coming year! Here are some pictures of their summer learning.
Thank you to our PTA for supporting our learning and purchasing the Whole Brain Teaching books!
Here is a little peek into the learning...
See a little whole brain teaching in action!
