Cerebral Executive Function

Yesterday, much discussion surrounded brain research.  I had several of my cognitive neuroscience books with me (isn’t that what most people take on vacation?), and a wonderful conversation continued through the morning break with several of the Kelloggers and Dr. Barbara Bonham.  To make a long story short, at the urging of colleague Kelloggers, Dr. Bonham asked me to conduct a short evening workshop on cerebral executive function in developmental college students.  We posted a sign-up sheet, and many of my Kellogg colleagues have signed up to attend.  Barbara will be there.  I am thoroughly honored and somewhat anxious about doing this.  It will be Monday, July 11, 2011, at 7:00 p.m. 

Other notes from today included a lot about learning and teaching styles, more on non-cognitive assessments, and little on study skills and first year experience courses.  The main point, echoed by nearly everyone, is that student skills cannot and should not be taught in isolation, and that linked courses need to be just that – linked.  There needs to be a sharing of language used to teach skills in each course and everything must be well-synchronized if student success is expected.  It is not an easy feat and should not be approached without a lot of planning and thorough research.  Scheduling is often difficult, but it is important to have the professors of all courses involved – most importantly those linked together – in close communication. Everyone has to be on the same page, all the time.

Tomorrow is our group’s presentation on Universal Design and Technology in Higher Education.  I had the pleasure of working with an incredible group.  One member, Steve, works at App State in adult education, and he is very smart, creative, and kind.  Tammy-Lynne is from a university in New Mexico, and she is one of the brightest 30-somethings at the Institute.  She and I drove together to Hunter’s house on Monday, and I got to know her and her amazing mind.  Amy is the fourth member of the group, intensely creative, quirky, and bubbly.   All four of us believe that groups, like committees, should be kept small; we have the smallest group, and that is just fine with us.

I have so much to download and read and write before tomorrow morning.  So, until tomorrow …