A Workout for the Mind - By Jennifer James By Tamara Mapes ED 585

Technology Economic Demographic Cultural

* Perspective * Pattern Recognition * Cultural Knowledge * Flexibility * Vision * Energy * Intelligence * Global Values

* Seeing with New Eyes

* Be able to relax * Keep mind and body in balance * Maintain a sense of humor * Use insight and intuition * Be resilient * Have a high tolerance for chaos * Emphasize * Visualize

* We are in the 21 st century. We need to change our perspective. * We need to use tools of technology in helping us to teach. * We should be a facilitator of learning who helps students turn information into knowledge and knowledge into wisdom.

* Recognize the Future

* Tracing * Language * New Mixes * Obsolescence * Keep a Journal * Ask Basic Questions * Maintain a Menagerie Mind

* Personal Access to Mobile Devices * Internet Connectivity * Use of Video for Classwork and Homework * Mobile Devices for Schoolwork * Using Different Tools for Different Tasks * Paying Attention to the Digital Footprint * An Increased Interest in Online Learning * Gaming is Growing, and the Gender Gap is Closed * Social Media in Schools * What Devices Belong in “The Ultimate School?”

* Harnessing the Power of Myths and Symbols

* Myths are threads which link us to the past and to the present. * Myths affects our ability to run a business or to maintain relationships. * A symbol summaries the myth that it represents. * The words that we use are symbols that reveal who we are and what we believe.

* “Knowing how myths – old and new – affect thought and behavior will improve your ability to make decisions based on reality.” * A crucial leadership skill is being aware of the myths and symbols around us and to be able to let go of the myths and symbols that no longer serve us.

* As educators, we need to remember to “follow sound teaching principles and a sound curriculum where knowledge builds cumulatively from year to year.” - From the Core Knowledge Blog on the Seven Myths About Education by Daisy Christodoulou

* Speed Up Your Response Time

* A critical leadership skill is learning how to respond to and master the process of change. * The key to handling change is being flexible. Try to incorporate change into your daily life. * Two tests: - Vegetable test - Language test

* Seeing through the window * Exploration * Integration * Plunge * Landing * Evaluation * Sharing

* Maintain a flexible attitude * Importance of being flexible √ Classroom Management √ Different Learning Styles √ Pace of Learning √ Interruptions and Distractions √ Unexpected Circumstances

* Understanding the Past to Know the Future

* Get to know the culture in your school. * Watch the give and take in meetings. * Watch the overt and covert behaviors of others. * Get answers from all employees. * What are the three top motivators? * What are the three top barriers?

“The leader who sets out to do this must have knowledge of the existing culture and be aware of the organization’s key concerns. The goal will be to recreate a positive shared vision and trust.”

* Principals – Vision to be student-centered and want what is best for the students. * Teachers – Vision to be the very best they can be every day. To be facilitators of learning for students. * Students – Vision to experience personal growth and learning every day.

* Doing More with More or Less

* Observe energy around us * Make technology our friend * Stay on the cutting edge * Continually learn and get education * Develop your communication and negotiation skills * Take action – examine your alternatives and explore your opportunities * Keep others informed * Be financially responsible * Be family friendly and allow flextime

* Think of ways to energize your students and your classroom. * One of the most important ways that you can do this is by having a good two-way relationship between the teacher and the students. * “The give-and-take of positive energy is the key to peak performance.”

* Mastering New Forms of Intelligence

* Verbal / Linguistic * Logical / Mathematical * Visual / Spatial * Body / Kinesthetic * Musical / Rhythmic * Interpersonal * Intrapersonal * Spiritual * Practical

* Analytical * Conceptual * Structural * Social * Lateral

* Evaluate and identify your thinking * Use De Bono’s hats * Create alternatives * Step outside the usual * Make sure you know what the problem is * Use a flow analysis of situations * Be humble * Think about your experiences * Consider Emotional Intelligence

* Use different instructional techniques for students according to their intelligences

* Profiting from Diversity

* Learn from other racial and ethnic groups * Practice zero tolerance for racism and sexism

* Be open and honest yourself. Know your biases * Structure classroom activities so that different cultures and perspectives are encouraged * Include activities with families

* Individual Self * Relationship Self * Lifework Self

* All pictures for this presentation were found through Creative Commons and could be shared. Sources were deviantart.com, pixaby.com, wikimedia.org, flickr.com, and Microsoft clipart. * Other resources were thejournal.com and Daisy Christodoulou (e-book called Seven Myths about Education).