TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — How do we better and more effectively teach our children?
That's what parents, homeschoolers, teachers, professors and administrators learned Thursday at an education workshop at FAMU.
The workshop was based upon an approach that has improved the science grades of FAMU DRS students and others. It's called Micro-Spiral Methodology or MSM. It's been scientifically proven to help children learn and retain information at an accelerated rate.
"I am teaching people how to learn and of course this can be translated into any subject matter," said Dr. Edith G. Davis, a professor of Science Education at FAMU. "So the Micro-Spiral methodology is transfer of concept, knowledge and skills for all."
Here is how the Micro-Spiral Method works: It delivers small chunks of information to students multiple times, going more in-depth each time. This "spiral," as it is called, reinforces old information and builds on new.
Thursday's event at FAMU was all about showcasing the method and its impact on education. World renowned cognitive neuroscientist Caroline Leaf focuses on the mind-brain connection.
"I teach on how our mind is different to our brain and as how you think very deeply for meaning intellectually you actually change the structure of your brain," said Dr. Leaf.
And one of the Method's students, part of the Gifted program at FAMU's Developmental Research School, is one of its success stories.
"The more you learn about different sciences and different types of study programs and different things when you're at a young age," said Corin, a 4th grade student at FAMU DRS. "I think they may help you in the future and when you are older."
MSM was developed by Dr. Davis in 2004 while she was at Baylor University.
The National Science Foundation Micro-Spiral Method two-day workshop also runs Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Lawson Center on Wahnish Way. You can register for free when you get there.
