1. My greatest influence has been my colleagues at CVU. My Fairbanks team has taken on the SBL whole heartedly with examples being set on a daily basis, help only a conversation away, and an atmosphere of teamwork always present. I also feel the coaches (Emily, Stan, and now Monica) have set up an excellent progression that is thoughtful, enlightening, and moving forward at a rate that is not too fast or too slow. Finally, the Core Wellness Teachers have been great to work with and help implement SBL. When we meet and discuss ideas we always find common ground, divide up the work and get something accomplished. They are also always willing to share ideas, lesson plans, activities, task sheets, etc.
2. Rick Wormeli – I have been introduced to him and his ideas through Stan and Emily. I have enjoyed the short videos where he has addressed a number of things on grades in general and SBL in particular. His book Fair Isn’t Always Equal was a good summation of many things I have come to believe in. I look forward to his visit this fall.
3. The Art of Changing The Brain by James E. Zull. I enjoyed reading this book and had some previous knowledge about neurons, neuronal networks, synapses, neural transmitters, etc. One thing that really hit home is how a persons experiences create neuronal networks. When trying to help students learn it is effective to build on existing neuronal networks. Thus if we can relate new learning to students previous experiences we will be more successful. It also helps to explain why making something relevant to a student is such a powerful tool. If something is relevant the student probably already has existing networks that it can be related to and the learning is easier.
2. Rick Wormeli – I have been introduced to him and his ideas through Stan and Emily. I have enjoyed the short videos where he has addressed a number of things on grades in general and SBL in particular. His book Fair Isn’t Always Equal was a good summation of many things I have come to believe in. I look forward to his visit this fall.
3. The Art of Changing The Brain by James E. Zull. I enjoyed reading this book and had some previous knowledge about neurons, neuronal networks, synapses, neural transmitters, etc. One thing that really hit home is how a persons experiences create neuronal networks. When trying to help students learn it is effective to build on existing neuronal networks. Thus if we can relate new learning to students previous experiences we will be more successful. It also helps to explain why making something relevant to a student is such a powerful tool. If something is relevant the student probably already has existing networks that it can be related to and the learning is easier.