Customer Reviews

"Sit and Get" Won't Grow Dendrites: 20 Professional Learning Strategies That Engage the Adult Brain

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The reason I bought this book, and all her others, is because I was lucky enough to be in her 2-day seminar. She DOES practice what she preaches! In her book, she uses 20 research-based, brain-compatible strategies to motivate and engage learners, enabling them to reach higher test scores. During her seminar, she used these same 20 strategies with us and they worked! We actively listened and learned, because she didn't expect us to "sit and get". We were moving, talking, playing games, writing, drawing, etc...using those 20 brain-friendly strategies. I am now using these 20 strategies in my classroom. My math class all tested 100% on their first unit tests! I will use Marcia Tates books and strategies forever!

Adult learning theory is handily referenced in this neat little book, and it's those references that are just as valuable as the advice Tate offers for the newer professional staff developer (or anyone who teaches adults). The interested reader can follow the research to explore the subjects more thoroughly.

The theoretical framework pages are useful support for Tate's activities. Though some of the material and suggestions are a bit simplistic for the adult audience("...participants work together to create a song that shows what they have learned."), the majority of ideas can be easily altered to suit any level of inquiry required. It's a quick read, which is also helpful to time-strapped professional developers, and it explores the newest brain-compatible strategies as it inspires creative adaptation. I would recommend this resource as part of a working library, especially for newer staff developers.

Just like her other books, Dr. Marcia Tate takes her brain-compatible strategies and applies them to the adult learner. Often times adults are no more than big children and her techniques help to utilize instructional strategies to 'teach' the adult learner. Her ideas are great for professionals who provide professional development for the adult learner.

This book has tons of ideas for presenters to make their workshops more than just a boring powerpoint with a lecture. I wish more presenters would use the ideas in here.

If you have read other Marcia Tate books on brain friendly teaching then this book really offers little that is new. It is basically "Worksheets Don't Grow Dendrites" for grown ups. The techniques and strategies suggested are applicable to children as well as adults and Marcia does not really delve into the uniqueness of the adult learning environment or offer strategies that are specifically for adults. It is above average because of its message of engagement but in terms of the book's size and recycled content it is worth no more than 3 stars. Marcia, you can do better than this!