ECDSpecial Education Consultant Jamaica Teachers Association EDUCATION CONFERENCE APRIL 8 10 2015 THEME Reaching Every Learner Understanding the Brain New Insights on Learning and Brain Development ID: 594663
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Presenter: Dr. Polly Bowes Howell, O.D., J.P. (ECD/Special Education Consultant)
Jamaica Teachers’ Association
EDUCATION CONFERENCE
APRIL 8 – 10, 2015
THEME
Reaching Every Learner: Understanding the Brain – New Insights on Learning and Brain Development
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CONCURRENT SESSIONDAY 3: 10:30 A.M. – 11:30 A.M.TOPICAn Inclusive Classroom for Early ChildhoodDevelopment: Brain-based ImplicationsSlide3
AREAS TO BE COVEREDUnlocking the Potential at the Early Childhood LevelNew Information on Brain DevelopmentWhat Works? Research DoesClosing the Gap in Educational Achievement and AttainmentSlide4
What is it that we already know about Brain Growth and Development?Research reveals that the human brain is wired at an astounding rate during the early months and years of development.These first three (3) years are critical as the experiences gained during this period will set the stage for future learning and development (window of opportunity).Slide5
Meet the 21st Century child:Short attention span culture, which demands stimulation, and bombards us with sensory overloads. From birth his environment literally wires and re-wires pathways to the brain.
What is it that we already know about Brain Growth and Development?
(Cont’d.)Slide6
Meet the 21st Century child cont’d.:The brain is as mysterious as it is awesome. This 3lb grey matter not only controls the most basic functions (such as breathing, reflexes and seeing) but it is also the control centre for all thoughts and actions.What is it that we already know about Brain Growth and Development?(Cont’d.)Slide7
The Human BrainSlide8
Meet the 21st Century child cont’d.:Two decades or so ago, we thought that the human brain was hard-wired at birth which meant, you were either born smart of you were not.Today, what research has revealed is that the brain appears to be very plastic – a super sponge, that is constantly changing and adapting in response to outside stimuli.
What is it that we already know about Brain Growth and Development?
(Cont’d.)Slide9
Meet the 21st Century child cont’d.:That is what has now given rise to the special attention now being paid to Early Childhood Education and Development.What is it that we already know about Brain Growth and Development?(Cont’d.)Slide10
Here is a glimmer of hope drawing from four main areas.The right teachers must be selected for the diversity of the children they teach.Teachers must be trained to support the weakest learners.
UNESCO’s Global Monitoring Report says
“
Children with Disabilities Most Excluded”Slide11
Glimmer of Hope cont’d.The best teachers should be assigned to teach where the most challenges exist.That governments must provide teachers with incentives to encourage them to ensure that all children are learning.Slide12
As educators, one of our major concern is the educational achievement and attainment among groups of students.Boys as against girlsStudents with disabilitiesExceptional learnersSocio-economic status of children (poverty)Children from disadvantaged backgroundsSlide13
What have we seen?
Girls continue to outperform boys at this level (gender gap)
This gap begins as early as 18 months (early socialization) vocabulary expectations, social interaction with family unit.
Task Force Report on Educational Reform (2004) has set some targets for 2015, one of which is “85% mastery in literacy rate for all students at the Grade 4 level.Slide14
What have we seen?
The child who enters K1 with one or more
risk factors, starts out behind the child who
starts with none.
The fact is that, without early stimulation, this child will definitely gain less through to third grade.
Task Force Report on Educational Reform (2004)…
Cont’d.Slide15
THE EDUCATION BELL CURVESlide16
Since every child can learn and every child must learn, we must include all our children which means education must be the right of every single child.Where should this education be provided?In the regular classroom or special classroom, or2. In the regular school or special school.Slide17
10% to 15% of school-age children are considered to have a disability that prevents them from learning normally. These children need special services to be able to reach their full potential.Slide18Slide19
References
Freed M. , parson L (1997)
Right Brained Children in a Left Brained World
,
Fireside
Rockefellow
Centre New York
Gunning TC (2006)
Closing The Literacy Gap Pearson New York USA
Magon
AJ (2009)
Gender The Brain and Education
University of
Victoria British Columbia
Sylvester R. (1998)
Student Brains School Issues
Pearson Skylight Illinois USA
Task Force on Educational Reform Jamaica – A Transformed Education System (2004)
Taylor R. L (2009)
Assessment of Exceptional Students
Pearson
Columbus, Ohio