Event Highlights Spring 2004

For more information contact the mcli at (480) 731-8300 or visit the mcli website.

Faculty Convocation 2004

What All Educators Should Know About Learning and the Human Brain: Neuroscience and Brain-Considerate Learning

featuring Kenneth Wesson

January 9, 2004
Phoenix College
Bulpitt Auditorium
8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Registration begins at 8:00 a.m.
Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided

Brief Overview

If it's your job to develop the mind, shouldn't you know how the brain works? The well-guarded secrets surrounding the operational principles by which the brain processes information are finally being unraveled. In years past, educators and psychologists would carefully scrutinize the elements that go into human learning and knowledge acquisition while seldom ever mentioning the human brain. However, the most recent advances in the fields of molecular biology, neuroanatomy, medicine, brain-imaging, genetics, along with the emerging branches of the cognitive neurosciences, now permit us to take a detailed look at the functional, structural, and chemical aspects of just how the brain works. It has been said that the next great journey of discovery for humankind will not take place in outer space, but inside the inner space of the human brain.

Brief Bio

Kenneth Wesson delivers keynote addresses on the neuroscience of learning for educational organizations and institutions throughout the United States and overseas. His audiences range from pre-school and early childhood specialists to college and university-level administrators and faculty members. His recent international audiences have included educators and chief administrative officers from South America, Asia, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Northern Africa, and sub-Saharan Africa. Wesson regularly addresses educational organizations, counseling associations, school districts and civic groups, as well as parenting organizations on establishing "brain-considerate" learning environments. In addition to his speeches on the neuroscience of learning, Wesson also speaks on the subjects of early brain development, emotional intelligence, the neuropsychology of prejudice, contextual learning, diversity in learning, design and engineering, and curriculum development. He is also frequently asked to serve as an expert witness in court cases involving brain trauma and memory.

Register online for Faculty Convocation 2004:
http://www.mcli.dist.maricopa.edu/fsd/c2004/register.php

Dialogue Days

Pachyderm: Building Meaningful Content from Learning Objects
featuring Peter Samis, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
January 30, 2004
Paradise Valley Community College
Room TBA
12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
For more information contact:
Alan Levine, mcli, (480) 731-8297

Senior Adult Network Retreat
January 30, 2004
Scottsdale Community College
Turquoise Room
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
For more information contact:
Dr. Rose Pfefferbaum
Phoenix College
(602) 285-7587

The Power of Writing: A Multidisciplinary Experience
featuring Dr. Lynn Nelson,
Arizona State University
February 6, 2004
Chandler-Gilbert Community College
Room TBA
8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
For more information contact:
Pam Davenport
Chandler-Gilbert Community College
(480) 732-7135

Using Classroom Assessment Techniques to Promote Student Learning
featuring Dr. Barbara Millis,
US Air Force Academy
February 20, 2004
District Office
Governing Board Room
8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
For more information contact:
Dr. Maria Harper-Marinick, mcli
(480) 731-8294

Special Event

Achieving Balance Workshop
featuring Kathleen Barton
The Success Connection
February 27, 2004
Glendale Community College
Room TBA
8:00 a.m. to 11: 00 a.m. and
Rio Salado College
Room TBA
1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
For more information contact:
Beth Eberhardt, District Office
(480) 731-8281

Co-sponsored by Renewal, MCLI, Wellness, and EOLT

mcli Learnshops

Engaging Students in Active Learning
Thursdays, Spring 2004
February 5*, 12*, 19; March 4; April 1, 15*, 29
District Office
Governing Board Room
3:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.
*Dates marked will be held in Room 311 at the District Office

Pre-approved for 18 clock hours toward FPG Non-Academic Advancement

Brief Overview

This seven-session, 18-hour workshop, will provide opportunities for faculty to actively experience various strategies that increase student involvement, including cooperative learning, critical thinking, and classroom assessment techniques.

Advanced Engaging Students in Active Learning
Thursdays, Spring 2004
February 26; March 11, 25; April 8, 22; May 6
District Office
Governing Board Room
3:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Pre-approved for 18 clock hours toward FPG Non-Academic Advancement

Only people who had previously taken Engaging Students in Active Learning will be able to register for the advanced class.

Brief Overview

This six-session, 18-hour workshop, will provide more in-depth opportunities for faculty to actively experience various strategies that increase student involvement, including cooperative learning, critical thinking, and classroom assessment techniques, and will also allow teachers to practice individualizing structures. Team-building and assessment of long-term projects will be part of the experience.