Education
Keynotes & Workshops
Any of these topics may be delivered in a 60-90 minute keynote speech or 4-6 hour workshop session. All presentations and workshops will require a lavalier/lapel mic, projector, a quality sound/speaker system and computer access to Internet.
WHOLE-BRAIN TEACHING AND LEARNING
Creativity. Innovation. Critical thinking. Problem solving. These are the goal posts for 21st century students. Recent brain-based research support the notion that hands-on making, building, and creating not only nurture creativity, but also impact cognition, working memory, and innovative problem-solving. While we don't have to be neuroscientists to be effective in the classroom, if we want to improve our instructional practice, we must have an understanding of how the brain functions. And if we want to nurture creativity, innovative thinking, and problem solving, we need to learn how to engage multiple parts of the brain.
PINK BRAINS, BLUE BRAINS: THE NEUROSCIENCE OF GENDER DIFFERENCES
Despite the resurgence in STEM instruction, females are still under-represented in STEM-based programs and careers. This session explores recent brain-based research about gender differences in cognitive development and function, biases that influence educational experiences, and practical application of neuroscience to sound pedagogy.
STEAM: INSPIRING CREATIVE EXPRESSION IN THE CLASSROOM
The focus of student achievement has extended beyond reading and math scores. More and more teachers are applying the principle of “learning by doing” in their classrooms to nurture creative expression within the context of content. This resurgence in experiential learning has become known as the “maker movement,” and brain research over the past five years presents a strong case for learning by making, tinkering, engineering, and experimenting.
THE NEUROSCIENCE OF CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT
Recent early brain development research provides scientific evidence of altered brain functioning as a result of early abuse and neglect especially during infancy and early childhood. We know the human brain adapts to its environment and early experiences of sexual, physical, psychology abuse and neglect have a profound impact on neural development as well as behavioral, social, and emotional functioning. This session explores the neurobiology underlying maltreatment of a developing brain to help professionals understand the emotional, mental and behavioral impact of early abuse and neglect.