Marcus and I had the opportunity to speak before a distinguished audience of researchers, psychologists, and teacher educators attending the International Association for Cognitive Education and Psychology’s (IACEP) 2013 International Conference and share the achievements of teachers who have completed our graduate degree programs with majors in Brain-Based teaching. The conference took place this past summer at the prestigious Leiden University in Leiden, The Netherlands.
The IACEP is a worldwide organization of professionals whose goal is to advance the cognitive education of children, youth, and adults. Our presentation, “Connecting Five Big Ideas from Cognitive, Brain, and Education Research to Teacher Education,” fit in well with those ideals. Leading the presentation, Marcus described how graduates of the program are enhancing their students’ academic performance by applying the research, theory, and strategies they learned in their graduate studies. As a result, teachers are helping their students achieve more of their academic potential and develop an appreciation for lifelong learning.
Our presentation drew from the core concepts explored in our book, Five Big Ideas for Effective Teaching: Connecting Mind, Brain, and Education Research to Classroom Practice (Teachers College Press, 2013). We also provided real-life examples of these concepts in action in classrooms and schools. It was especially gratifying to have presented at the conference among colleagues I met in the early to mid-1990s as I was completing research for my doctoral degree and studying structural cognitive modifiability internationally at the post-doctoral level.
