To be our best, we can never stop learning.
I still remember my college education professor earnestly telling us that true professionals never stop growing. To this day, that’s what drives me.
We can’t allow stagnation to erode the quality of our professional practice. By continuing to learn, we understand why we do what we do and why what we do works. We can function with greater intentionality, equipping ourselves and our learners for relevant participation in and effective contribution to society.
I’d like every trainer and educator to be inspired to greater learning. I research, write, speak, and design programs to help organizations develop a learning mindset. I’ve witnessed thousands of professionals “re-energized” by learning. Join us!
Kevin D. Washburn, Ed.D.
Executive Director
Author, The Architecture of Learning
Noteworthy Implications for Learning & Education
MAY 2012 | Working Out Working Memory
The term working memory gets mentioned frequently by neuroscientists and educators. What exactly is it? This succinct article provides a good summary. Several studies suggest that working memory can be strengthened, no matter the age of an individual. That’s the basis for neuropsychologist Dr. Jonathan Reed’s playful approach to giving brains a working memory workout. (Be warned. Memorise is fun, addictive, and NOT easy! It is, however, FREE!) Research on working memory and its relationship to learning are major topics in both the Architecture of Learning book and professional development event.
Now Registering for Summer 2012 Courses
Registration is now open for several scheduled Writer’s Stylus Courses — you are invited to join us! If you don’t see either a Writer’s Stylus course or Architecture of Learning Course near you but would be interested in attending, scheduling an on-site course, or becoming a regional host, please let us know!
2011-2012 Course Testimonials Are In
Here’s what our 2011 course participants told us: Architecture of Learning Advanced Course, Architecture of Learning Basic Course, Writer’s Stylus
Architecture of Learning Web Site Launched
Our Architecture of Learning Web site is now home to course and program information PLUS the brand new Online Drafting Table! ANYONE who has read the book, The Architecture of Learning or who has attended any Architecture of Learning course is eligible to register and use this new tool. It’s FREE! Instructional design just got a whole lot easier. Watch the Drafting Table in action.
Writer’s Stylus Web Site Launched
Our Writer’s Stylus Web site is now home to course and program information PLUS the brand new Unit Design Tool that enables all certified Writer’s Stylus users to select, customize, print, share, and even request feedback on rubrics and blueprints. Check out the introductory video.
Online Interview
Larry Ferlazzo, educator and author, recently extended the opportunity for me to share a bit about Clerestory Learning and The Architecture of Learning, what I think are the three important concepts educators can learn from neuroscience, and what current research I think could have the greatest potential for classroom application. Many thanks, Larry!
Miss the Free Webinar? Recording now available
Getting to the Core: Letting Learning Influence Teaching
Clerestory Learning helps organizations foster a learning mindset through its services and research-based professional development programs. Here is brief introduction to our current offerings. View our booklet for a more detailed overview.
NEW In-Service | Teaching for More: Cultivating Thought, Wisdom, and Creativity in the Classroom
Research identifies strong correlations between “nonacademic” abilities—thinking, creativity, and “prescriptive knowledge” or “wisdom”—and success in and out of school. How can we cultivate these valuable capacities and fully equip students for success beyond the classroom? Teaching for More: Cultivating Thought, Wisdom, and Creativity in the Classroom explores how teaching can be designed to foster student growth in emotion, thought, wisdom, and creativity. Examples and tools to support application of ideas presented are provided.
Instructional Design Course | Architecture of Learning
Years of researching neuroscience, cognitive science, and psychology convinced us the key to designing effective teaching is understanding how people learn. So, we developed the Architecture of Learning instructional design model.
Instructional Writing Program | Writer’s Stylus
How can we equip students to think and communicate influentially? We help them recognize that a first draft is raw material with great potential, and then teach them the skills to craft that raw material into meaningful writing. We call that transformative communication, the heart of Writer’s Stylus.
Professional Development Services
We enjoy developing relationships with fellow educators through a variety of professional development venues. In what way could our professional development services assist you in achieving your organization’s mission?
To stay in touch with those we’ve met along the way and to offer current and helpful research, insights, articles, and tools for ongoing interaction, we’ve established several ways to connect:
Blog | The Window
This Clerestory Learning blog explores neuroscience and cognition research findings, and identifies implications for teaching.
E-Newsletter | The Spectrum
This free resource for educators highlights current professional development events, articles, and voices from the community; 2-3 issues per month.