Conversation Starter & Reflection Tool This carefully selected collection of unique images captures a group’s attention and inspires meaningful reflection and conversation. The postcard collection is popular with teachers, counselors, and group facilitators for helping individuals and groups process specific experiences. They can be used as a great introduction activity or for group closing activities. [...]

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 last post I shared information put forward by neuroscientists promoting the idea that the first few minutes of an experience or lesson are a key time to hook and engage learners (See March 12th post).

The activities presented in this series are some of the “tried and true” methods I have used to increase engagement, help participants transition into the learning space, make positive connections with their peers and introduce and review the academic material at hand.

“The beginning is the most important part of the work”. -Plato   Starting Off with Style: Research on the brain and learning is demonstrating that the events or activities experienced the first time learners are exposed to information greatly impact their ability to retain the information. John Medina, author of Brain Rules states: “If you [...]

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, when we have a lot of material to cover in our lesson plans or agendas some of us might find ourselves forgetting just how important movement [...]

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 or clients is perfect for reflecting on our professional practice. It can be enjoyable to take some time to learn about new resources and [...]

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 change and growth take place when people are actively (physically, socially, intellectually, emotionally) involved in their learning rather than just being receivers of information. The [...]

Jen Stanchfield’s workshop The Art of Experiential Group Facilitation. Jennifer Stanchfield and Josh Meyer presented a Holistic Approach to Teaching focused on brain-based learning, differentiated instruction and positive behavioral supports.