IT’S ALL ABOUT LEARNING BY SIMON BREWSTER Andrea Muñoz Brown

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN SOMEONE LEARNS? Connections (synapses) from between neurons These allow information to travel from one neuron to the next. Networks of synaptic in the brain allow us to feel, behave and think. Changes in the synaptic connections in areas of the brain like the cerebral cortex and hippocampus are associated with learning and retention of new information.

STUDENTS ARE MORE LIKELY TO LEARN WHEN.. they aren’t stressed They are motivated an interested in class. They are focused They aren’t tired

FOUR STATES RELATED TO LEARNING New (this is something I haven’t seen before) Consolidated (this is strengthening and clarifying my previous learning) Treading water (I know this already, I’m not learning anything new) Drowning (I’m having trouble and need help, clarification)

LEARNING INVOLVES: 1.- SKILLS Skill is the ability to do something well usually as a result of experience and training. Skills involve coaching and are assessed through observation. Language skill include reading, writing, listening and speaking. These skills improve with exposure and practice-opportunities to use the language.

2.- KNOWLEDGE Knowledge is concerned with verifiable facts witch you either know or don’t know. Knowledge is assessed by testing. Students need knowledge of language systems: grammar rules, syntax, vocabulary, irregular verbs. Many of these things have to be memorized.

3.- UNDERSTANDING Understanding involves grasping the meaning of facts, “big” ideas at the core of subjects. Understanding involves transfer i.e. figuring out which knowledge and skills matter in a situation and adapting what we know. Mindset Students show understanding of language when they are able to personalize it or transfer it e.g. from a listening to a speaking or writing activity. They need lots of opportunities for these kind of transfer and reinforcement activities.

WHEN WE REALLY UNDERSTAND, WE.. Can explain Can interpret Can apply Have perspective Can empathize Have self-knowledge

THREE STAGE APPROACH TO LEARNING 1.Desire results -Students will know -Students will be able to 2. Assessment evidence -Performance task, other evidence. 3. Learning plan. -Learning activities. WHERETO

WHERETO W : where the lesson/unit is going, what is expected H : hook all the students and hold their interest E : equip students, help them experience key ideas and explore issues R : provide opportunities to rethink and raise their understandings and work E : evaluate their own work and its implications T : tailor to different needs, interest an abilities of learners O : organize to maximize initial and ongoing engagement

PLANNING FOR LEARNING The fist questions a teacher should ask is: who am I teaching and why are they here? Planning should then start from the point of learner needs and interest. Always take advantage of magic moments in class even if you are following a lesson plan Be prepared to adapt or abandon the plan if things aren’t working

LEARNING Learning takes place when new knowledge and skills are obtained or when prior knowledge, understanding and skills are being consolidated