The Power of Positive Thinking

Brain-based learning refers to teaching methods, lesson designs, and school programs that are based on the latest scientific research about how the brain learns, including such factors as cognitive development—how students learn differently as they age, grow, and mature socially, emotionally, and cognitively. (http://edglossary.org/brain-based-learning/)

Proponents of brain-based learning believe that learning can be improved if educators use a scientific based approach to teaching and learning as opposed to relying on past educational practices and established protocols. Donna Wilson, PhD., and author of Positively Smarter, Smarter Teacher Leadership, Developer of Graduate Programs in Brain-Based Teaching, and Professional Developer, believes that “explicit instruction to guide students toward taking charge of their outlook on academic endeavors can lead to a more positive -- and ultimately more productive -- approach to learning.”

While many believe that there is a natural tendency towards optimism or pessimism, Wilson promotes that idea that individuals can have more control over their feelings by examining three main influences:

• Thoughts - we are who we believe ourselves to be
• Behaviors - positive thoughts must be supported by actions and efforts
• Brain Chemistry - physical activity produces positive neurotransmitters

Dr. Wilson believes that Positive Brains are Smarter Brains. She proposes what she calls the “CIA Model” for a positive approach to learning, where CIA stands for control, influence, and acknowledge.

• Control - We are in control of our thoughts.
• Influence - We experience both positive and negative influence. We should choose to focus on the positive.
• Acknowledge - Some things are out of our control. Recognize those things and move past them.

Dr. Wilson summarizes by stating the following, “By reinforcing that students can take charge of their outlook on learning and life, and by guiding them to develop metacognitive tools to do so, we empower self-directed learners to pursue a positive path.”

Pepper provides a wide range of courses for teachers that allow for growth and learning opportunities. You also have access to Pepper's online learning community where you can meet others who are interested and learning more about brain-based learning.

February 17 is Digital Learning Day!

The advancement of technology has provided unprecedented access to information and has allowed people to research, learn, and share like never before. Digital Learning Day celebrates the use of digital technology in learning, and in particular, highlights the innovative and forward-thinking use of technology for learning in the classroom. Created by the Alliance for Excellent Education in 2012, Digital Learning Day (DLDay) is a nationwide celebration that highlights great teaching and demonstrates how technology can improve student outcomes.

There are a variety of ways that you can participate in DLDay. Ashley Cronin, a Digital Resource Curator for Edutopia, notes of several ways teachers and schools can get involved:

• Conduct digital-learning activities and share these with the world. Go paperless for the day, participate in a Google Hangout, get students coding-- the options are endless!
• Set up showcases of digital student work.
• Share information about digital-learning resources, tools, and strategies.
• Get online and on social media to spread the word about digital learning.

Cronin also encourages interested teachers to visit the Digital Learning Video Gallery on the website for the Alliance for Excellent Education. Here educators can "view real-life, practical stories about how district and school leaders are improving learning outcomes through effective use of technology."

The Alliance for Excellent Education has planned a full day of of live digital events that will explore the state of digital equity in schools and communities across America. A complete schedule is below. Click on a session to access additional details.

February 17, 2016: Digital Learning Day Schedule (All Times Eastern)
10:00 – 10:30 a.m.	Digital Equity and Access: Connecting Students Beyond School
11:00 – 11:20 a.m.	Digital Equity and Leadership: Creating a Culture of Equity and Innovation
12:00 – 12:20 p.m.	Digital Equity and Teacher Preparation: Improving the K–12 Teaching Pipeline
2:00 – 2:20 p.m.	Digital Equity and College/Career Readiness: Diversifying Students in STEM
3:00 – 3:20 p.m.	Digital Equity and Instructional Quality: Transforming Teaching Through Technology
4:00 – 4:20 p.m.	Digital Equity: The Road Ahead

Schools and educators can also visit the Digital Learning Day website to sign up their event and find out more about what educators are doing across the country to celebrate DLDay. Here you will find contests, videos, and online resources.

Pepper Professional Development Courses and the Resource Library can help you create a more engaged and active classroom that includes digital learning - for you and for your students. We’re adding new courses and resources regularly, so be sure to check them out.

President’s Day Salute: Learning from Lincoln

President's Day is an American holiday celebrated on the third Monday in February. Originally established in 1885 in recognition of President George Washington, it is still officially called “Washington’s Birthday” by the federal government. Most of us remember two notable Presidents on this day: George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, whose birthday falls a few days prior to Washington’s.

Lincoln, best remembered for being President during one of our country’s most difficult times. He made history by blazing new paths and fighting for the rights and freedoms of our young country.

What can 21st-century educators learn from a 19th-century president?

According to Joe Hirsch’s article, What Teachers Can Learn From Lincoln, there are many leadership practices that educators can gain from studying the life of our 16th president. Hirsch bases his information on a book titled Learning from Lincoln, by Harvey Alvy and Pamela Robbins. “Through an analysis of pivotal events in his presidency as well as his public and private pronouncements, the authors reveal a side of Lincoln that educators would do well to emulate within and beyond the classroom.”

Here are three of Hirsch’s favorite attributes to be gleaned from the life of President Lincoln:

• Demonstrating Restraint - Knowing what to do, and when and how to do it, is an important skill that all teachers need to know when dealing with students, parents, coworkers, and administration. “Lincoln took to writing his enemies long missives in which he blasted them for their foolishness, hubris, and unmitigated lack of effort. He folded these letters into envelopes, signed and stamped each one, and then buried them in a drawer, never again to touch the light of day or a postmaster's delivery wagon.”
• Building Trust - Creating a shared trust with and among students in the classroom can create a positive learning environment. Trust is also an important part of working with parents and other educators.
• The Power of Predictability and Presence - Lincoln followed a regimented schedule throughout his presidency. His coworkers knew what to expect of him because he was predictable in his daily routines and actions. Hirsch notes, “Teachers hold a different type of public office, but they are no less accountable to their constituents. In the course of a day, teachers interact with students, dialogue with parents, collaborate with colleagues, and report to supervisors. They set learning agendas, define performance goals, and monitor progress. Learning that is predictable is not necessarily rigid or impervious to innovation. Predictability -- in classroom expectations, learning designs, and measures of learning -- can actually provide the type of stability that leads to productivity and growth.”

Schools and offices will be closed on Monday, February 15, in observance of President’s Day. From your Pepper team, we hope you enjoy your day off. But, also, we hope that as you return to the classroom on Tuesday that you will remember some of these key character traits of a well-remembered President.

As always, be sure to check out our wide range of Pepper Courses and the Resource Library to further your own professional growth.