This past November, BCD Teacher Kate Meyer attended a “Mind, Brain, Education” conference in Cambridge, MA co-hosted by Harvard and MIT. Over 1,000 people from all over the world attended the three day conference, including teachers, psychologists, and neuro-scientists. MyBCD sat down with Kate to find out what’s on her mind and how this information may have changed her understanding of how teenagers think and learn:
“I’ve always had a lot of interest in science – my father is a scientist – and there have been so many advances in brain research and the nexus between brain research and current educational practices. For example, there is some very interesting research on physical activity and cognition. There seems to be a link between daily exercise and the ability to learn. Also, they’re learning a lot more about reading; it requires a coordination of circuitry in your brain. It is not specific to one area. The more you read, the stronger the circuit gets.
This conference has definitely made me revisit how my students read and how I read with them. I’m hoping to use some of the advisory periods to engage kids in some good physical activities as well. The information I took away from the conference will help me better understand and fine-tune my teaching all the way around.
