Nenti: The Science of Learning Teachers Are Neuroplasticians

1. The Science of Learning:
Teachers are Neuroplasticians
The Centers for Quality Teaching and Learning
4009 Barrett Dr., Suite 102 Raleigh, NC 27609
www.qtlcenters.org 919-878-0540

2. The Science of Learning:
Teachers as Neuroplasticians
1. How does the brain
impact the “choice” to
learn?
• Amygdala Hijacking
Focus Questions
2. How do teachers
impact students’
willingness to think and
learn?
• Relaxed Alertness
3. How does the brain
process information?
• The Information
Processing Model
4. What are neural
schema, and do they
ever stop growing?
• Neuroplasicity
©QTL 2012
www.qtlcenters.org
The Centers for Quality Teaching and Learning
2

3. Notes:
©QTL 2012
www.qtlcenters.org
The Centers for Quality Teaching and Learning
3

4. Unconditional Positive Regard
Unconditional Positive Regard is when one person is completely accepting toward
another person. This is not just a show of acceptance, but is an attitude that is then
demonstrated through behavior.
Carl Rogers - On Becoming a Person
Human beings have a well developed ability to quickly distinguish friend from foe. It’s
part of our innate set of survival skills…Children and youth can quickly tell which of their
teachers offer Unconditional Positive Regard to their students and which do not.
Mike Rutherford
Evidence of Teacher’s Respect
As noted by students…
Teacher Expectations and Student Achievement Research
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Is courteous to students
Calls on everyone in the room equitably
Uses “WAIT TIME.”
Listens, and paraphrases student thoughts
Probes and prompts students to reach “appropriate” responses
Provides individual help.
Provides timely, specific, and abundant performance feedback
Gets within arms distance of each student everyday
Shows personal interest and give compliments
Responds to misbehavior with an effective level of response
©QTL 2012
www.qtlcenters.org
The Centers for Quality Teaching and Learning
4

5. Notes:
©QTL 2012
www.qtlcenters.org
The Centers for Quality Teaching and Learning
5

6. ©QTL 2012
www.qtlcenters.org
The Centers for Quality Teaching and Learning
6