Hello everyone.

I'm an elementary school teacher and a teacher trainer from Spain.

This year I've been training a group of 17 elementary school teachers. I had two 1'5 hour sessions devoted to Whole Brain Teaching and I encouraged them all to use it and comment on the results. I have to say that only 7 or 8 did.

One of the main concerns I have is that WBT is, in a way, very demanding (energy, planning...). There are teachers that aren't full of energy anymore, and who would use WBT without that important part (the energy, I mean). What can I say to those teachers? Is it worth trying to convince them to use WBT if they are not going to do it with enough energy and enthusiasm? (I think both energy and enthusiasm are basic for a successful WBT)

So, is WBT a methodology any teacher can use, or are there certain teachers who shouldn't even try it?

Best,

Edward

I think you would agree that energy and enthusiasm are needed in any succesful teaching style, not just Whole Brain Teaching. For those teachers who lack the aforementioned qualities, hopefully they'll catch on fire from the sparks you create. In other words, when teachers see how engaged the kids are and how much better they perform, hopefully they'll join in.

Is WBT for every teacher? I would say no. Some teachers (great teachers for that matter) have created a wonderful system they are comfortable with. The key to WBT is that the teacher uses the system to fit their personalities, not the system uses the teachers. At the core, WBT preaches that we the teachers need to talk less and our students need to talk more...but under our guidelines. The hardest part for teachers is not the scoreboard game or class rules, but rather, learning to talk less and in smaller chunks.

I love what you're doing over there in Spain and I hope you continue in the direction you're going. This whole WBT thing was created by a few teachers who wanted to make a change; I thank you for your efforts.

Thanks Jay, for your support and encouragement.

I don't feel I'm doing anything really special. I want to improve teaching, and when I saw WBT, I knew it could be a good way to do so.

It's so rewarding when you talk to a person about Whole Brain Teaching, and the next day they tell you they are trying it and that they are amazed about the results. It has happened to me a couple of times and it's just great.

We have to thank you for your help and support and, of course, for this wonderful method.

Hi Edward,
I'm a high school teacher in CA (and former elementary school teacher). Yes, WBT can be very demanding when it comes to your energy level. However, if you have a low energy level, students get bored and lose focus. I think it is important to remember that you can adapt WBT to your personality. Using WBT does not have to be as high energy as many of the videos show. For me, I focus more on thinking about gestures than thinking about maintaining my energy level. You asked if there are teachers who shouldn't even try WBT. I think I see more resistance to WBT in the high school community than in the lower grades. It has been my experience, that teachers who are looking for ways to engage their students really like many (not always all) of the aspects of WBT. I think it is definitely worth exposing as many teachers to WBT as possible, and then they can decide what works or doesn't work for them. Many teachers, who might initially be resistant, might be surprised how much they get out of WBT training! Good luck as you continue to teach teachers. I think it is great to give teachers new ideas to help improve student learning!

Wow, Kristin, thank you very much for your insight on this topic.

I really appreciate your comments, and I agree with you, especially in the "elementary vs. high school" feeling. This also happens in Spain. I thought this was a matter of pre-service training, but knowing you have the same "issue" in the States, now I doubt it.

Thank you again for your comments,

Edward

Hi Edward,
Just because high school teachers seem to be more resistant to WBT, doesn't mean they don't NEED it. I think high school teachers are so used to lecture, lecture, lecture... that it is difficult for them (and me) to break the habit. Now, I do not think lecturing is terrible... but l also think that students need to be engaged in the lecture. Also, it seems to me that high school teachers are less willing to try creative, new ideas. I'm not sure all the reasons as to why high school teachers are more resistant, but I do know many who have adopted many of the WBT techniques. Please keep teaching and spreading the word to both elementary and high school teachers... sometimes the most unexpected teachers start using WBT techniques. Best wishes!
~Kristin

I don't think that WBT is for all teachers, just like the Boston Marathon is not for every runner. But I do feel every teacher can run that race of WBT at there own pace and there own level. Even if they just pick one element and that increases student engagement and student achievement they have crossed their personal finish line. WBT is not a one-size-fits-all approach and that is a cool thing!