Professional Development

Student Engagement. Inclusivity. Critical Thinking. Parental Involvement. Student Achievement. Recognition. These are the basic needs of schools nationwide. In this 6-part professional development web series developed by VariQuest, we hear from Dr. Melissa Hughes, expert on Whole Brain Teaching & Learning, addressing each of these topics and how brain function processes affect what we as educators are trying to do in our schools. Then we hear from Carman Le, Education Development …

There is a wealth of evidence that demonstrates the value of mindfulness. We are inundated 24/7 by some form of media, work schedules that are increasingly demanding because we are only as far away as our nearest device, after school schedules that require color-coded calendars to manage, and an ever-increasing pressure to do more, more, more. The brain isn’t designed to work that way. Recent research exploring the value of …

Over the past decade, there have been significant advances in cognitive neuroscience research to better understand what happens with the brain during learning. Such advances have inspired Universal Design for Learning (UDL), creating a framework that integrates brain-based knowledge to help cultivate an environment that supports all learners. In any given classroom, there are students with a vast range of learning styles, interests, strengths and challenges. Differentiation is one way …

More and more educators are recognizing the value of student-centric instruction— moving away from teaching isolated segments of knowledge that focus on academic skills and competencies, and turning towards teaching models that weave together subjects and skills to solve real-world problems in meaningful ways. Since the early 1990s when Howard Garner introduced the theory of Multiple Intelligences, educators have come to understand that MI is not about which one fits …

Imagine a classroom where every student is actively engaged and assumes ownership over their own learning.  To some that sounds so idealistic that it’s unrealistic. But to educators who teach in student-centered classrooms, it’s not just a lofty goal. Join us to discover six strategies that will enrich classroom instruction with a student-centered mindset and cultivate that kind of agency through brain-based research and the principles of emotional learning and …

We often think of student success in terms of ability and skill acquisition, but recent research tells us that’s only part of it. A student’s mindset is a powerful driver for motivation to learn, resilience with challenges, and developing a love for learning. Join us as Dr. Melissa Hughes presents on how mindsets develop and how they impact student achievement. We’ll also share tangible strategies for parents and teachers to effectively …

The focus of student achievement has extended beyond reading and math scores and shifted to a “learning by doing, making, building, and discovering” approach. Despite the fact that this resurgence in experiential learning is supported by recent brain-based research about cognition, problem-solving, and innovation, females are still under-represented in STEM-based programs and careers.  This session, presented in partnership with Dr. Melissa Hughes, explores neuroscientific findings about cognitive function, those factors …

Whole-brain instruction combined with project-based learning enables educators to provide students with experiential activities that improve cognition, memory, and real world critical thinking skills. Join us for this informative webinar that springboards from a brief summary of whole-brain instruction to curriculum based content with a kinesthetic approach through 3D printing. Participants will take a tour of the STEM:IT platform to bring project-based learning experiences to life for students.

Until recently, we believed that intelligence and creativity were fixed traits. We now know differently. The capacity to learn, solve problems and be creative is hardwired into our brains – we either tap into it and nurture it, or we don’t. Whole-brain teaching and learning is a sound solution for educators who are looking for ways to engage their students with experiential activities that improve cognition, memory, and problem solving …

One of the foremost advances in school-wide discipline is the emphasis on Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS). PBIS is all about creating a learning environment that sets clear expectations, tracks student progress and incentivizes students to meeting goals. Principals and school administrators, we invite you to join us for a Professional Development webinar on PBIS- Fundamental Principles and Implementation. This webinar will also explore how PBIS relates to Whole-Brain …