Post by Michael Deveney, NW Noggin outreach volunteer from Portland State University
Getting close and comfortable, I rode the 90 minutes (in 90 degree heat) through Oregon’s Willamette Valley in a single cabin pickup with no A/C along with two of my fellow Noggin experts, Paul Delahanty and Aaron Eisen from PSU. We were heading to Oregon State University to meet with high school teachers from across the nation to discuss what we do through NW Noggin, how we engage our students, and how we learn from them, too.
We were invited by OSU, the American Psychological Association (APA) and the American Psychological Foundation (APF) to present a dinner workshop for high school psychology teachers on arts integration in STEM (STEAM!)…
LEARN MORE: Brains, Beavers & STEAM
LEARN MORE: Noggin @ APA/APF/OSU Psychology Teacher Workshop!
LEARN MORE: APA Teachers of Psychology in Secondary Schools
Prior to introducing ourselves, we set up shop, complete with pipe cleaner brain cells, a neuron printing station, the Human to Human Interface from Backyard Brains, and of course all our animal and human brains. Once the teachers arrived, we grabbed a delicious bite to eat courtesy of OSU’s School of Psychological Science. We did a quick rundown of who we were and how we entered the wonderful world of slinging brains for NW Noggin. Then we allowed everyone to walk around, explore, make art and ask questions.
Questions! So. Many. Questions.
It was…AWESOME! I’m a huge believer in public education, and it warmed my heart to see the passion these teachers clearly have for their students. It reminded me of all the wonderful teachers I’ve had over the years as well.
I remember one conversation in particular, when a teacher asked how I even begin to speak about such a complex subject with children. Well, the answer is one that all seasoned Noggin-heads practice with every outreach: let the children lead the conversation.
So often adults just spew out information to children, often losing them when we’re trying to help. The most useful thing we can do is listen, and allow them to guide us to what THEY are interested in. So no matter what the age, I always ask kids ‘what would you like to know?’ or ‘what do you already know about the brain?’ This approach allows us to customize an already unique experience for each student, empowering them and creating an open and trusting relationship from the start.
When I said this to the teacher, her eyes lit up and she told me that my advice was probably the best she’s heard in regards to educating. She also shared how impressed she was with everyone and everything that Noggin is, complimenting our combined knowledge and enthusiasm for what we do. THAT sincerely is the absolute best compliment to receive, and shows that we are doing exactly what Noggin was created to do.
LEARN MORE: OSU APA SLIDES 2019
When we are presented with these amazing opportunities to collaborate with other educators, we are helping emphasize the importance of STEAM and providing the tools to bring neuroscience to every household. Big thank you to Dr. Kathy Becker Blease, the APA, and everyone at OSU for hosting us and offering yet another powerful outreach experience to remember…