Online World Validating Teens

Excerpts

A central theme of this book is the importance of validation to enhance student attentiveness. They need to be empowered as agents of thought and creativity, make choices, including talking amongst peers to share their mastery of subject, and express beliefs, fears, and aspirations. They must feel, too, that the community, particularly the faculty, is friendly and advocates for children. In addition, literacy growth in all subject areas must be prefaced to show relevance in their lives, touching base with existing patterns in the brain to hasten the learning process.

Reading and writing provide the proper pace for this transfer fostering rich associations or long-term schemas. Breezing on the Internet, on the other hand, bombards the brain in a way that minimizes the smooth flowing acquisition of knowledge for long-term storage. When this happens, the information stream exceeds the brain's cognitive load or capacity to retain and process the information.

Video games are different in that they provide a continuous and rapid feedback processing system which helps people sustain concentration for long intervals to achieve the game's goal.

Reviews

This is very impressive and right on the mark, super informative and intriguing. This presentation and program can go a long, long way in reforming education and bringing schooling into the 21st century.
Michael Koren, National Council of Social Studies Teacher of the Year

This is an excellent resource for teachers who wish to invigorate the learning experience and make their classrooms an interesting place where students thrive rather than merely endure the class. The special stress on active learning encourages students to take control of their education and promotes a stronger and more rewarding learning dynamic.
Christopher Chan, Professor of English Studies, Marquette University

Very impressive work. Solidly based with research studies yet exceptionally well-written in an easy to read, conversational style. It is an excellent book, thoughtful, thought-provoking.
Bob Sylwester, Professor Emeritus Educational Psychology, The University of Oregon

Energy and commitment to this book, the research and scholarly references, as well as the fine quality of the writing style are beyond those of a single or even dual discipline author. An amazing work across disciplines (science, education, language).
Carolyn Stephens, Emeritus Professor English and Literature, Concordia University Wisconsin

This is quite developed. I love the stories of success in the classroom with this innovative teaching style, followed up with basic or applied science that justifies the highlighted pedagogy. Very exciting and well-produced. It's fascinating that good learning goes hand in hand with "pleasure." All the more relevant this notion is for youth.
James Topitzes, Associate Professor Social Work, University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee