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The Boys and Girls Learn Differently: Action Guide for Teachers »

Book cover image of The Boys and Girls Learn Differently: Action Guide for Teachers by Michael Gurian

Authors: Michael Gurian, Arlette C. Ballew
ISBN-13: 9780787964856, ISBN-10: 0787964859
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Wiley, John & Sons, Incorporated
Date Published: March 2003
Edition: (Non-applicable)

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Author Biography: Michael Gurian

Michael Gurian is an educator, family therapist, and author of three national best-sellers, The Wonder of Boys, The Wonder of Girls, and Boys and Girls Learn Differently! He is cofounder of the Michael Gurian Institute (www.gurianinstitute.com) where, along with institute staff, teachers are trained in brain-based and gender innovations. He can be reached at www.michaelgurian.com

Arlette C. Ballew is a writer and editor who specializes in experiential learning, training, education, and human resource development. She is the coauthor of seven volumes of Pfeiffer & Company's Training Technologies Series and of Earthquake Survival: Activities and Leaders Guide; the coeditor of the four volumes of Theories and Models in Applied Behavioral Science; and the developer of many experiential training activities, educational and training packages, leader's guides, and workbooks.

Book Synopsis

The landmark book Boys and Girls Learn Differently! outlines the brain-based educational theories and techniques that can be used to transform classrooms and help children learn better. Now The Boys and Girls Learn Differently Action Guide for Teachers presents experiential learning techniques that teachers can use to create an environment and enriched curriculum that take into account the needs of the developing child's brain and allows both boys and girls to gain maximum learning opportunities. This important and easy-to-use guide is based on the latest scientific scholarship on the differences between boy's and girl's brains, neurological development, hormonal effects, behavior, and learning needs and offers information on what all children need to be able to learn effectively. Michael Gurian and his colleagues applied these recent discoveries in the field during a two-year Gurian Institute pilot program in Missouri that led to measurably better academic performance and improved behavior.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgmentsxv
Introduction1
Applying Brain-Based Research1
Boys and Girls Learn Differently!2
Using This Guide2
The Contents of This Guide3
1Background: How the Brain Learns7
Inherent Differences Between Boys' and Girls' Brains8
Developmental and Structural Differences9
Chemical and Hormonal Differences10
Functional Differences11
Differences in Processing Emotion13
Why There are Differences Between Male and Female Brains14
A Brief History of Brain Differences14
Hormones in Utero and at Puberty15
How Brain-Based Differences Affect Boys and Girls16
Learning-Style Differences16
Learning Differences and the Intelligences21
Applying Brain-Based Gender Research23
Academic Performance and Classroom Behavior23
Reading and Writing Competence24
Test Scores24
Psychological, Learning, and Behavioral Disorders25
Maturity, Discipline, and Behavior26
Educational Aspirations26
Athletics and Extracurricular Activities27
Cultural Gender Bias27
Sexual Abuse and Violence28
2Bonding and Attachment29
Preschool and Kindergarten29
Handling Children's Emotional Stress30
Bonding and Attachment Solutions30
Elementary School34
Bonding and Attachment Activities34
Handling Students' Emotional Stress37
The Role of the Mentor40
Middle School42
The Early Adolescent's Drop in Self-Esteem42
Handling Students' Emotional Stress44
Community Collaboration47
High School50
Showing Interest in Students50
Communication and Conflict Resolution51
Peer Leadership, Not Peer Pressure52
Mentoring53
3Discipline and Related Issues55
Boys and Aggression Nurturance55
Preschool and Kindergarten56
Dealing with Aggressive Behavior56
Elementary School59
Learning from Past Mistakes59
Discipline Techniques After an Offending Act61
Techniques to Prevent Undisciplined Behavior64
Conflict and Anger Management66
Motivational Techniques68
Character Education68
Dealing with Cruelty, Hazing, and Violence70
The Role of Media73
Middle School74
Strategies for Providing Discipline74
Community Collaboration77
Character Education78
High School79
Techniques to Prevent Undisciplined Behavior79
Character Education and Service Projects81
Helping Young Males to Manage Aggression82
4Math, Science, and Spatial Learning83
Preschool and Kindergarten83
Techniques to Encourage Learning83
Self-Directed Activities85
Integrated Use of the Physical Environment85
Games to Encourage Logical-Mathematical Thinking87
Elementary School89
Techniques to Encourage Learning89
Using Manipulatives Whenever Possible90
Mixing Modalities and Strategies92
Use of Computers and Other Media93
Middle School94
Techniques to Encourage Learning95
Boys and Girls Need Some of the Same Things96
Computer Science and Gender in Middle School and High School96
High School99
Techniques to Encourage Learning100
5Language, Reading, Writing, and Social Science103
Preschool and Kindergarten103
Using Movement, Manipulatives, and Props103
Elementary School105
Techniques to Encourage Learning105
Using Manipulatives108
Providing Various Learning Modalities109
Middle School110
Techniques to Encourage Learning111
High School115
Teaching Reading115
Teaching Language116
Teaching Social Science118
6Physical Learning and Nutrition121
The Need for Physical Activity121
Preschool and Kindergarten122
Developing Fine Motor Skills122
The Outdoor Classroom122
Elementary School124
Movement and Motor Skills124
Sports and Athletics125
The Outdoor Classroom126
Middle School and High School127
Sports and Athletics127
Mixed-Gender Sports128
The Outdoor Classroom129
Nutrition and Learning129
Obesity129
Carbohydrates, Proteins, and the School Day130
Fatty Acids131
7Special Education133
A Program for Reading and Writing133
Preschool and Kindergarten134
Bonding and School-Home Alliances134
Use of Psychotropic Medication135
Elementary School137
Techniques to Encourage Learning137
Spatial Stimulants, Movement, and Multisensory Approaches139
The Multisensory Approach to Reading Problems141
Middle School141
Factors in the Need for Special Education141
Techniques to Encourage Learning142
The Underachiever144
High School145
Techniques to Encourage Learning145
8Planning Your Own Experiential Activities147
Introducing Experiential Learning147
The Natural Learning Process148
The Teacher as Facilitator151
Experiential Learning Techniques152
Important Factors in Planning Experiential Learning155
Purpose(s)155
Students155
Timing156
Involvement156
Preferred Input Modes156
Instructions157
Modes of Expression157
Psychological Safety157
Equipment, Manipulatives, and Props157
Planning Activities and Games to Enhance Learning158
Developmental Themes for Creating Learning Techniques and Activities159
9Structural Innovations165
Preschool and Kindergarten165
Innovations to Encourage Learning165
Parent-Involvement Programs166
Elementary School167
Use of School Time167
Class Size and Number of Teachers168
Use of Group Dynamics and Group Work169
Standardized Testing170
Middle School171
Separate-Sex Education171
Psychosocial Education173
Rites of Passage174
Uniforms and Dress Codes175
Other Innovations to Encourage Learning176
High School178
Class Size178
Team Teaching and Homerooms178
Use of School Time179
Uniforms and Dress Codes180
Innovations Students Want181
Full Psychosocial Education184
Rites of Passage188
Counterinnovations189

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