Effectiveness – Page 6 – Happy Schools

Brain Food – Part 1

August 25, 2016

We are the architects and builders of our own brains. For millennia, however, we were oblivious to our enormous creative capabilities. We had no idea that our brains were changing in response to our actions and attitudes, every day of our lives. We unconsciously and randomly shaped our brains and our latter years because we believed we had an immutable brain that was at the mercy of our genes. Nothing could be further from the truth. The human brain is continually altering its structure, cell number, circuitry and chemistry as a direct result of everything we do, experience, think and believe. This is called “neuroplasticity” and comes from two words: neuron or nerve cell and plastic, meaning malleable or able…

Engaging Students In Learning Activities

May 10, 2016

Stevef

Effectiveness

Students who are genuinely engaged in their learning are easier to manage and achieve more. It is helpful to reflect on the following key elements in planning learning activities that engage our students. Make It Meaningful It is essential that students perceive activities as being meaningful. Research has shown that if students do not consider a learning activity worthy of their time and effort, they might not engage in a satisfactory way or may even disengage entirely. (Fredricks, Blumenfeld, & Paris, 2004). Connecting the activity with students’ previous knowledge and experiences is one way of trying to make learning experiences meaningful. Asking great questions that stimulate and challenge students is another great strategy. For each unit try to identify an…