BLC16

Creativity. Innovation. Critical thinking. Problem solving. These are the goal posts for 21st century students. Recent brain-based research supports 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 are to truly master the craft of teaching we must have an understanding of how the brain learns. Furthermore, if we want to nurture creativity, innovation, and critical thinking, we need to learn how to engage the whole brain. As STEAM-based learning creates a significant shift away from rote academics, whole-brain instruction provides pedagogically sound experiences that engage students and build their capacity to learn. Participants in this session will explore:

—Recent brain-based research illuminating cognitive function as it relates to teaching and learning;
—The application of this scientific research as it applies to classroom instruction;
—Whole-brain learning experiences that promote creativity, problem solving, memory, and analytical skills - all critical elements of STEAM instruction.