Project to develop Brain Power in schools - what a little gender can do!
November 7th 2009 09:21
From: Courier Press.com
The Cleveland-based psychologist, JoAnn Deak, will look at whether developing programs and activities designed for girls-only and boys-only can make a difference in the way children learn.
However, she is not calling for single-sex education. Instead, she is seeking ways that proven research and knowledge about childhood brain development can be incorporated into the classrooms, youth activities and child care to enhance learning for girls and boys.
As one of many examples, she cited research that shows testosterone surges diminish the male ability to focus on details while exercise can stimulate the brain for both sexes. Knowing that, she said, some schools have begun placing physical education in the morning to drain boys' testosterone levels and stimulate learning for both sexes.
Another example she cited was girls' earlier language development skills. Not understanding that boys don't develop language skills as fast as girls of the same age has led to the majority of remedial reading students being boys, she said. However, separating boys and girls would be a mistake because boys learn many of their language skills from girls at a young age.
Knowing those crucial, but often fine points about child brain development, can allow adults to make the changes that will exercise and help grow children's brains.
Anybody can participate in the study by participating in the activities and programs of partner organizations to the project, said Jody Rusk, who is coordinating the program for the Girl Scouts. Participants will take tests before and after the activities, and the results will be used to adjust the programming.
"You are at the cutting edge. I can't tell you how important you are," she said.
Amanda Joest, a mother of twin 8-year-old daughters, said she was impressed by Deak's ideas.
"It's deeply personal to me," she said. "I like how she breaks it down so that no child is left out."
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