Rowman & Littlefield Publishers A Field Guide for Activating the Learner: Using the Learner's Brain: Using the Learner’s Brain Model

How will a teacher plan his/her instructional delivery and deliver their plan? How will he/she know if the assessments they used were effective and what will they do with that information? What is Consolidation for Closure? What role is reflection in lesson planning? These questions and many more were addressed and answered in the field guide so the readers would have a theoretical construct for each strategy is provided. Having a theoretical framework for instruction is useful, but how theory intersects with practice is important. The theory must be applicable in the classroom. This field guide provides practical application of the skills presented via activities and worksheets that are provided within each chapter. The activities and worksheets can be used for professional development sessions, Professional Learning communities (PLC) and grade level meetings. Included are rubrics for classroom environment, differentiated instruction, Objective and Demonstration of Student Learning (DSL) rubric, Objective and Demonstration of Student Learning (DSL) checklist, student engagement, student interviews, use of data can be used for self-improvement, peer coaching, or for self-improvement. Review Dr. Barbiere has created a user friendly, quick reference guide that not only explains how an individual retains and reflects on new information, but also provides insight into developing engaging units that will challenge and excite all levels of learners to think critically and solve problems. The strategies, techniques, and resources in this book are a valuable reference tool for students, teachers, administrators, and even parents. I would consider Dr. Barbiere's field guide to be a necessary addition to every classroom and household!--Andrew T. White, principal, Black River Middle School, Chester, NJ Dr. Barbiere's field guide is overflowing with insight and practical advice and his research offers educators a true gift--the knowledge and support to create dynamic learning environments for their students leading to improvement in academic performance.--Ellen Decker-Lorys, retired teacher and principal, South Plainfield School District, South Plainfield, New Jersey From the moment I met Dr. Barbiere (Doc), I fully embraced his approach not only to brain-based learning, but to his sage wisdom in all aspects of education. Every aspect of what I do as an administrator today is a reflection of what I learned from 'Doc'. I often find my answers to difficult situations by thinking 'What would Doc do'. I am proud to endorse this field guide as a terrific resource for all educators.--Michael F. Vignola, principal, Watchung Borough Schools, Watchung, New Jersey About the Author Dr. Mario Barbiere is a passionate practitioner with a strong theoretical background; he has worked as an administrator at the district and State level for school turnaround promoting student self-regulation and teacher empowerment for closing the achievement gap. Dr Barbiere combined his doctoral studies and years of brain research with his practical knowledge to write a practical field guide for administrators, teachers, students, and parents for coaching or for professional development, Professional Learning Communities or grade level meeting.