Brain Compatible Learning

A intriguing recent two page document describes the actual behavioral outcomes of empowerment competencies. An example of a competency area: Self Awareness divided into Emotional awareness; Accurate Self-assessment and Self-confidence. Here’s how Self-confidence is described : A strong sense of one’s self-worth and capabilities. Here are the behaviors:

1. Present myself with self-assurance: have “presence”
2. Can voice views that are unpopular and go out on a limb for what is right
3. Decisive, able to make sound decisions despite uncertainties and pressures

Self-regulation, Self-motivation, Empathy, and Social skills are other competence areas. The attached chart Empowerment is from Twin Cities Rise, Empowerment Division which works with low income people on the premise that these competencies underlie success. These competencies are foundational for all ages!

Brain Awareness Week, established by the Dana Alliance for Brain Inititiatives and the Society for Neurosciences, is scheduled for March 15 – 21, 2010. Brain Awareness Week is an international event involving people from all over the globe in a “week long celebration of the brain.” For more information,  go to the Dana Alliance web-site:

http://www.dana.org/brainweek 

If you are organizing an event, you will find a wealth of resources, ideas, planning tips, links to other sites, puzzles and graphics to download. The primer on the brain and nervous system published by the Society for Neuroscience, Brain Facts,  is available as a downloadble PDF at:

http://www.sfn.org/BAW 

“The 2008 edition updates all sections and includes new information on brain development, learning and memory, language, neurological and psychiatric illnesses, potential therapies, and more.”

The website, braincompatiblelearning.org has a wealth of information: upcoming summer conferences; 18 new short news items to stay up-to-date; graphics you can copy and use; articles; brief book reviews; provocative quotations; and other interesting, related resources; plus information about us.

Eighty-three new book reviews cover themes of Leadership, Special Education, Beginning Teachers, Literacy, Brain Theory, Instruction, Schools, Families, and Community Partnership, Curriculum, Assessment, and Student Performance.