Get Them Moving! Physical Activity Improves Learning.
There is a growing body of evidence demonstrating the positive impact of exercise on brain development and function – and therefore memory and learning throughout life. Exercise
Inspiring Articles, Podcasts, Books & Blogs on Engagement, Learning & the Brain
As readers of this blog know I am excited about new research on the brain and learning and the links between the emerging field of educational neuroscience and experiential learnin
Learning Through Play with Playdough Pictionary: Blending Community Building With Academic or Training Content Review
Playdough Pictionary has been one of my favorite "go-to" activities for years. Though I first started using it in team-building programs I have found that it is a great active mult
Activities to Get Them Moving, Talking, Reflecting, and Keep Them Engaged
Recent research from cognitive neuroscientists validates the idea that educators will increase participant attention, motivation, and learning outcomes when they intentionally weav
The Right Ingredients at the Right Time: Sequencing Group Learning Experiences
As with cooking, facilitation is an art that involves a combination of practice, observation, knowledge of theory and creativity. Effective facilitators act as a good chef does, ad
Graffiti Wall Activity: Middle School Students Reflect on Tropical Storm Irene
Today I am returning to the blog after a few weeks offline due to Tropical Storm Irene. Our little village of Brookside in South Newfane, Vermont and many neighboring towns were hi
Upcycled Computer Key Board Keys: A Fun Idea for Bookending a Learning Experience with Strong Beginnings and Endings
My last two posts have focused on methods for positively influencing learning outcomes with groups through strong beginnings. I shared some of my favorite activities for starting o
Using Quotes to “Hook” Your Group’s Attention
This is the second post in a series that offers ideas for actively involving learners from the first moment they enter the room for a workshop, training or classroom lesson. In my
Start Off With Style. Find a Hook!
“The beginning is the most important part of the work”. -Plato Starting Off with Style: The events or activities experienced the first time learners are exposed to information
Active Review Methods Continued: Stories from the Classroom
In my last post I described how I have been re-purposing the well-known ice-breaker Have You Ever? into Anyone Who as a strategy to engage participants in reflecting on or reviewin
Another Idea to Get Them Moving and Keep Them Engaged: “Anyone Who”
Research on the brain and learning emphasizes the importance of breaking up lecture and direct instruction with activities that involve learners socially, emotionally and physicall
Can a Lecture Be Experiential?
Can a Lecture Be Experientiall? While in graduate school, I had an interesting conversation with Dr. Jasper Hunt my professor at Minnesota State University, Mankato. We were fillin
The Educator as Guide
“A teacher is one who makes himself progressively unnecessary” – Thomas Curruthers Last week I was inspired by some recent discussions with educators and counselo
Get Them Moving, Keep Them Engaged
If you are reading this post, chances are you believe it is important to find ways to actively engage learners in your classroom, boardroom, or group counseling setting. However,
Summer Reading List: Books on the Brain and Learning
Summer Reading List Books on the Brain and Learning: Jen Stanchfield, M.S. Summer is a great time to relax and rejuvenate. Many educators find that some time away from our students
Engaging Groups in Meaningful Dialogue and Reflection While Practicing Decision-making and Consensus Building.
Engaging Groups in Meaningful Dialogue and Reflection While Practicing Decision-making and Consensus Building. Jen Stanchfield My last few posts have explored the power of p
What is Experiential Education?
What is Experiential Education? How is it relevant to my work as an educator or counselor? The experiential approach to education and group work is based on the idea that ch
Bringing Learning to Life Through Reflection
Last Friday I offered another author’s lesson entry for Wood ‘N’ Barnes Publishing Company’s blog: “Bringing Learning to Life Through Reflection.̶
