My initial concern that the book would be a "hard read" was dispelled as soon as I flipped to the Table of Contents and saw the myriad of succinctly described, well laid-out topics. The chapter on the topic of optimal environments immediately caught my attention and I started my reading there. As a person who thrives in colorful and interesting learning environments, I wanted to find out what the research had to say about that so I could better understand what works for me and what might work for students of mine who share that learning style.
As I read in detail about optimal learning environments, I was actually surprised to find out how much I didn't know. For example, our eyes can register 36,000 visual messages per hour. And, even more surprising to me, was my discovery through his book that between 80%-90% of ALL information absorbed by the brain is visual. Finally, the chapter presented research on the effects of color, imagery, light and nutrition on learning. The bottom line is that we need to use an array of techniques to engage our students' brains and keep them interested in learning.
The other chapters that I read were just as interesting, just as easy-to-read, and filled with the same kinds of meaningful information that teachers of all grade levels and all content areas can use to reach each student. I feel empowered by what I learned and I also feel a responsibility to learn more. After all, our future leaders, politicians, and (yes) teachers are depending on us, their teachers, to prepare them for what lay ahead.
As I read in detail about optimal learning environments, I was actually surprised to find out how much I didn't know. For example, our eyes can register 36,000 visual messages per hour. And, even more surprising to me, was my discovery through his book that between 80%-90% of ALL information absorbed by the brain is visual. Finally, the chapter presented research on the effects of color, imagery, light and nutrition on learning. The bottom line is that we need to use an array of techniques to engage our students' brains and keep them interested in learning.
The other chapters that I read were just as interesting, just as easy-to-read, and filled with the same kinds of meaningful information that teachers of all grade levels and all content areas can use to reach each student. I feel empowered by what I learned and I also feel a responsibility to learn more. After all, our future leaders, politicians, and (yes) teachers are depending on us, their teachers, to prepare them for what lay ahead.
Excellent personal reflection. I, too, feel the drive to learn more about varied learning environments. I need to re-read this book to spur my thinking and reflection on how to create an environment where students can succeed and feel valued and appreciated.
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