D.I. Asia Summit - Concurrent Sessions
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Concurrent Session Synopses

Note: Pre-registration for the concurrent sessions are not required.

Session 1A

“Dynamic Differentiation:  One Size Does not Fit All!”

Dr. Kathy Perez

Teachers in mixed-ability classrooms face multiple challenges at every grade level. Success for all students depends on the integration of multiple intelligences, cooperative learning and authentic assessment. This interactive session provides guidance for teachers and administrators who are interested in creating learning environments that address the diversity in the classroom and within their schools or districts. Strategies shared will address a variety of learning styles. Learn multiple approaches to content, process and product and how to blend whole-class, group and individual instruction.

 

Session 1B

“Connect! Building Powerful Relationships with Students and Colleagues”

Dave Burgess

Learn how to design a classroom experience that is positive, powerful, and purposeful. Stating with a deep look at how to start the school year, learn how to create a positive environment. Learn how to answer the unspoken questions that plague your students. Learn how to become a “swimmer” rather than a “lifeguard”. In addition, discover how to build a professional learning network (PLN) to connect and collaborate with educators all over the world.

 

Session 1C

“Comprehension That Works!”

Dr. Danny Brassell

Comprehension is what reading is all about! Learn how to improve reading skills through stronger vocabulary, fluency and comprehension skills. You’ll learn how to create an instructional environment that promotes risk taking and involves students in a variety of real reading situations – and meets standards. Your students will learn to focus on meaning as thoughtful readers.

 

Session 1D

“Chunk, Chew and Check, That’s How the Brain Learns Best:  Practical Strategies for Differentiating in Real Classrooms”

Kathleen Kryza

This session teaches you to connect all you have learned about differentiated strategies around doable frameworks.  You will learn to design quality lessons that support and engage all learners.   The Chunk, Chew and Check framework is being used successfully in differentiated classrooms around the world to help teachers develop high impact differentiated lessons.  Teachers also use the framework to transparently help students understand the learning process and see how they learn best. You will leave this session with powerful techniques and strategies you can implement immediately in your classroom.

 

Session 1E

“Behind Closed Doors:  Secrets to Dynamic Instructional Strategies”

Dr. Rich Allen

This highly practical session explores a series of seldom discussed teaching techniques that can be used effectively at any grade level to address differentiation issues, while simultaneously increasing creative and critical thinking.  Each idea can stand alone as a useful tool for teachers to put into practice immediately.  Combining these techniques creates a blast of focused, productive energy that propels students quickly and easily towards learning success.

Session 2A

“Making Material Memorable:  The Heart of Effective Instruction”

Dr. Rich Allen

As the proverb states … If they can’t remember it, then they never learned it! Optimal retention is achieved when instructional methods are used that fit the way the brain learns.   Yet is teaching being conducted in a brain compatible manner? Through audience participation and demonstrations, this practical session provides an overview of methods for improving learning and retention based on how the brain stores information.

 

Session 2B

“Critical and Inventive Thinking for Student Engagement using Thinking Routines”

Dr. Kathy Perez

This session provides numerous tools for student engagement to think critically about course content and become active investigators. Learn creative approaches for teaching students routines that help direct innovative thinking and guide classroom discussion. Move beyond simple responses to extend ideas, think divergently and reason logically. In this interactive workshop, thinking routines will be demonstrated as highly useful skills for 21st century learners.

 

Session 2C

“Parents as Partners”

Dr. Danny Brassell

Students succeed when parents, teachers and administrators work together. Join Danny as he shows you how to attract greater parental involvement, utilize parental expertise and recognize parents’ efforts. Plus, you’ll learn an easy formula to boost students’ reading attitude and aptitudes.

 

Session 2D

“The Power of Choice in the Differentiated Classroom “

Kathleen Kryza

In Daniel Pink’s 2009 New York Times best-selling book, “Drive: The Surprising Truth about what Motivates Us,” he shows how internal motivation is developed through choice, autonomy and meaningful, purposeful experiences.  In this session you will learn to design choice lessons that promote internal motivation and creativity in your differentiated classroom. Choice gives students a voice and helps them become more responsible, independent and accountable learners.  Choice allows you to challenge advanced learners, while also providing success for struggling learners.  Learn to design rigorous choice projects that reach essential learning objectives and learn how to assess those projects with easy-to-create rubrics.

 

Session 2E

“Teaching Outside the Box: A Crash Course in Creativity”

Dave Burgess

A fast-paced and fun session designed to teach techniques that will skyrocket creativity. You will learn how to use their brain like Google, create a GPS system for powerful teaching, and magically create new ideas through Creative Alchemy. In addition, learn how to overcome obstacles that stifle creativity by using the Wedding Photographer Principle. You’ll leave truly believing you are a creative being and inspired to add memorable experiences for students to your lesson plans.