In 1.5,  3.0 or 4.5 continuing education units

Course Description:  

Educators quickly realize that there are distinct differences in how efficiently boys and girls process and integrate information in the classroom. Supported by the most current brain-based research, educators will learn specific strategies to promote academic excellence in math, science, reading, writing, and behavior management from the preschool setting through high school. Furthermore, in an educational climate where standardized test scores are an important marker of student success, teachers will learn how to teach test-taking skills that are tailored to each student’s learning style.

Goals and Objectives

As a result of this participation in this course, students should:

1) Explore current brain-based research theories and describe the differences between the male and female brain.

2) Discover a variety of learning styles and how they can determine success or failure in the classroom.

3) Create the optimal preschool, elementary, middle school and high school learning environment and apply innovative teaching strategies to promote learning among girls and boys.

4) Learn how bonding, community building, nutrition, discipline methods and aggression play a role in the school environment.

5) Learn how structural innovations, character education, cooperative and competitive learning  can impact the learning potential of girls and boys in the school environment

Texts/Readings

The required reading is found in the text listed   below:

Gurian, M. (2011). Boys and Girls Learn Differently: A Guide for Teachers and Parents, 10^th Anniversary Edition. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass