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School District No. 20 (Kootenay-Columbia)
A PRAISEWORTHY BRAIN IN SEARCH OF A BRAINWORTHY SCHOOL
On October 19, 2007, School District No. 20 (Kootenay-Columbia) and BCASCD hosted a workshop by Dr. Robert Sylwester entitled, “A Praiseworthy Brain in Search of a Brainworthy School”. Forty-five educators, trustees and parents from School District 20, 8 and 51 attended this session.
Everyone enjoyed Dr. Sylwester’s “story telling” type of presentation and his sense of humour. Current research from the cognitive neurosciences was presented in a practical, understandable format that was just as relevant to educators and classrooms, as to parents and families.
Dr. Sylwester shared information on the brain’s organization and development, and confirmed that effective learning occurs by engaging the right hemisphere (experiential) before focussing on mastery learning in the left hemisphere. Integrating learning through both hemispheres is necessary. Furthermore, the arts and humanities play important integrative roles in the development and maintenance of the brain’s processing systems.
Human mirror neurons were discussed. Humans have an incredibly complex mirror neuron system encompassing the entire sensory system. This allows a brain to simulate and then initiate goal directed movements of others. Mirror neurons provide a partial explanation for how humans learn to smile, grasp, work, talk and experience empathy. Mirror neurons also explain why we enjoy watching athletes, dancers and musicians. Virtuoso performances allow our mirror neuron system to mentally model, and thus enjoy, actions that we may or may not, physically mimic at the same level.
All participants enjoyed this session. Some commented that they would be happy to listen to Dr. Sylwester for days on end! His monthly column on educationally significant developments in the cognitive neurosciences can be accessed at:
www.brainconnection.com
Jean Borsa
Superintendent of Schools
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