Brain Research Principles and Instructional Strategies that
Support Student Growth for Gifted, Standard and Special
Education Students

Co-sponsored by IAGC and Macon & Piatt ROE, Decatur, IL

WHAT WILL BE COVERED?
            This workshop will present an overview of the brain structure and its functions
along with key findings of brain research.  Implications for educational practice will
include strategies that support student growth for gifted, standard, and special education
students.
            Participants will examine twelve brain/mind learning principles.  A special
emphasis will be placed on the following principles:
• The brain/mind is social.
• The search for meaning occurs through patterning.
• Emotions are critical to patterning.
• Learning involves both focused attention and peripheral perception.
• Complex learning is enhanced by challenge and inhibited by threat associated with
helplessness.
            Some strategies that support these principles include differentiation, thematic
instruction, essential questions, strategic reading strategies and experiential activities.

WHAT SKILLS WILL THIS HELP ME DEVELOP?
Upon completion of the class, the learner will be able to:
• Analyze the functions of the brain
• Evaluate key findings of the brain research
• Compare and contrast twelve brain/mind learning principles
• Apply principles to strategies that support student growth

WHAT ARE THE DATES, TIME FRAMES AND LOCATION?
Time frames:  8:30 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.  
Dates:  Wednesday and Thursday, June 20 & 21, 2007
Location Decatur’s Professional Development Institute (PDI), 601 North Church,
Decatur 62523  (corner of N. Church & Cerro Gordo St.), Decatur, IL

ABOUT THE PRESENTER:
Pamela DePinto is an educational consultant.  She has served as the Director of Instruction
for Lake Forest District 67, provided services to the Lake County teachers and administrators
as a Curriculum Coordinator for the Lake County ESC and taught students in grades 2-12. 
Pam is the Past President of the Illinois Association for Gifted Children and the recipient of
the 2005 IAGC Distinguished Service Award.  She has worked as a national consultant for
16 years.