Eric Jensen, a leader in brain-based teaching, presented a workshop to teams of teachers and administrators in the Eugene 4J School District. Focused on practical applications of rescent brain research, Eric maintains that "the quality of teachers is the single greatest determinant of learner success." The sessions expanded educators understanding of the differences in brain functioning in their students and what can go wrong with learners. Then they developed skills in how to accurately identify the problem, and to apply success strategies designed to make a real difference in student achievement.

District administrators attended the workshop, reinforcing its importance and value.	At first, it looked like a usual conference - listen, take notes...	Then Eric had people up and moving, getting their brain energy levels engaged.
In duos, participants exchanged thoughts on ideas presented (note colorful posters on wall which capture key points).	Here, Roosevelt administrators discuss applications in their school.	Charlemagne principal Martha Moultry listens to a teacher's perception.
Now people move into groups of 3-4 to share what their duo thought.	Superintendent George Russell, Harris principal Gig Nelson, and a local teacher check out their views.	No matter how "high" or "low" the person, everyone got involved in the discussion.
The conference book provided places for note taking, too, as well as captured significant learning concepts.	Overheads provided additional examples of how concepts might be applied.	Then everyone got to participate in an example of following "awesome" directions (click to see below).
Eric poses the challenge - if you keep getting the same non-learning result from students, who is the slow learner?	Overhead examples demonstrated the differing effects on the brain. Click to see participants in an example that tied kinesthetic activity to learning associations. [Click here to download a free QuickTime movie player]	Various learning problems (ADD, ADHD, ODD, Dyslexia, auditory, depression, and learned helplessness) were described along with learning strategies.
Then teams discussed the implications at their schools.	Giving "Awesome" Directions: 1. set up (cue students, appetizer for what's to come) 2. time (when ____ happens, you will begin) 3.trigger word (when I say "Go") 4. actual direction (1 simple task at a time) 5."read" your students (do you need to re-start?) 6. do trigger word	Monroe staff discuss how the concepts (highlighted in wall posters in back) might apply for their students.
Student depression can make a huge difference in brain functioning.	Kennedy staff deliberate on application at their school.	Kay Mehas, Wallace grant director, has her ducks around her at the end of the day, as Eric looks on.
How can you change an energy state to focus attention and learning? By novelty, and by rituals. Click to see a QuickTime movie of changing energy states.	Click here to get PDF download for directions to make the "magic" cube - a tool for engaging students in learning.	Willagillespie staff memebers discover applications for their students. Click to see a QuickTime movie how table leaders help change energy states.
Now participants get an opportunity to demonstrate state changing - first back to back...	...then turn around - can you match my expression of fear or surprise?	And then there's the sure energy state changer...cookies!
By this day, the Charlemagne staff is really into team building!	Teams use a samle participation check-off grid to evaluate their performance.	Yvonne Curtis, our new Director of Student Achievement, leads the thank you applause for presenter Eric Jensen.

---

The day following the training was dedicated to school teams planning. They worked on how they would train other staff in the building, as well as implement what they had learned in the workshop in order to increase student learning for all their students. Below are pictures of some of the teams who were working together; others were back at their schools working in teams.

Charlemagne French Immersion Elementary School	Coburg Elementary School	Corridor Alternative Elementary School
Edison Elementary School	Harris Elementary School	Howard Elementary School
Kennedy Middle School, part 1	Kennedy Middle School, part 2	Special Education consultants