In a previous thread I read about whole brain teaching techniques. I was intrigued and after some research and watching some videos I decided I might try some of the techniqes this year. I was just wondering if any of you use the techniques and how beneficial they have been for you. Also did you find any negatives or cons when using them? Thank you Naomi
I went to a training and was very impressed. I teach all seniors and use class/yes consistently and the scoreboard at times, and I have "Listen when your teacher is speaking" and "Keep your Dear Teacher happy" as the two big rules posted in my room. My friend who teaches middle school implemented last year and loved it; she said her students' writing improved immensely.
I use many parts of their system. The only problem I have had is getting my administration to let me use it! (old fogeys, lol)
I have used the methods for the last five years in both my middle school science and social studies classes, and in community college history classes. I have found the approach to be EXTREMELY effective, and so much fun to use. The big thing to keep in mind is to only introduce elements of the approach as you become comfortable with them. Also, remember that the whole point here is the flexibility this gives you. You can alter the methods as needed to accomplish your goals, and based on your own personality and style. I would be happy to answer any other questions on it you have. I am a trainer for the group.
Thank you all for your great feedback...I have been doing my homework on the techniques. I am still brainstorming as to how I am going to approach my kindergartners with them...I am positive that they are going to work...I am just nervous that I may do one of the steps wrong or stumble on my words....:unsure:
I used many of the WBT techniques when I subbed very successfully. I student taught in kinder and 6th and used them and found it to be effective. This is my first year with my own classroom of 5th graders and will be using most of the techniques. I am so excited to try all of them out!
I've been using some of the WBT techniques for the past couple of years with great success. I mainly use class/yes, teach/ok, and the scoreboard. I've never had to escalate beyond that level (knock on wood!). The kids love it, it helps them learn, and makes my job even more fun.
This is GREAT advice. I tried to implement WBT in my 6th grade math class this year, but initially made the mistake of thinking I DID have to kinda do it "all or nothing". The students fell in love with the "Class/Yes" immediately and I did use that for the rest of the year. I tired using the Scoreboard, with different degrees of success. The biggest challenge I had was coming up with gestures for the concepts and getting the kids to USE the gestures. When they did, the gestures really worked well (I even saw the kids "mimicking" the gestures during the tests at times to remind themselves of the rules). I tried the "Teach/OK", but that didn't work as well and ended up being somewhat frustrating for the kids and me both. Now that I will be subbing again this year (at least that's how it looks right now), I will work on improving my own skills with the techniques so I'm better prepared to introduce them to my class when I have my own classroom again.
That was my friend's experience, not mine. I assume it was because they were more engaged in the process through her use of WBT techniques, but I can't say for sure.
My first time using it was last school year-and I loved it! Cut out less behavior management and kept the students engaged.
Thanks for letting us know the problems you ran into. These are very helpful to keep in mind as I start it this year too!!
Metaphorically they fall somewhere between air and food in importance, or VERY. It does not matter as much that the gestures are big as it does that the students use them. As a student teaches their partner the gestures the gestures serve as a kinesthetic anchor for the concept that student is teaching their partner, and a visual anchor for the partner. The more parts of your mind you engage in creating a memory the easier it is to make it last.
Probably in SoCal. That is where the group is based. Check at www.wholebrainteaching.com and you should be able to find out there when the next training is coming.
