West Region GREAT Center Workshop Desription Page

Professional Development Activities

Irlen Disabilities Training

Overview: The Irlen Syndrome Scotopic Sensitivity Disabilities training will look at reading, learning, and attention problems. It will explain how research in the areas of learning and reading disabilities has helps children and adults. This research revealed that certain individuals showed a marked improvement in their ability to read, when reading materials were covered by a colored overlay. The training is designed to provided proficiency in the testing protocol as well as a complete understanding of the symptoms and those affected by them. It will teach participants how to identify individuals with Irlen Syndrome; common learning and behavioral characteristics; how to test using the Irlen Reading Perceptual Scale; and a variety of intervention strategies.

Agenda: Irlen Reading, Learning and Behavioral Disabilities Training

Introductions

Areas Evaluated by Certified Irlen Diagnosticians

How they affect sustained attention, concentration, and performance in the classroom or workplace
Concept of compensatory strategies and environmental modifications

The Irlen Method: A Piece of the Puzzle

Main facts
What is Irlen Syndrome/Scopic Sensitivity?

Various Populations which can be helped and how

General population
Gifted/good readers
Reading problems
Learning disabilities
Dyslexia
ADD/HD
Autism
Medical/visual problems

The Discovery

Population
Single study research design
Involvement of other professionals
Discovery of color
1983 presentation of research a the American Psychological Association

Research

Educational (schools, workplace, prison system)
Medical
References

Irlen Syndrome/Scotopic Sensitivity

Academic areas: reading, math, writing, copying, spelling, essays Other areas: light sensitivity, depth perception, driving, fatigue, headaches /migraines
Reading subskills and SSS

Training

Client Intake Form
Irlen Reading Perceptual Scale (IRPS)

Process testing - Information is obtained from observation (looking, listening) and client reporting.

Reason for screening - Identification, determine severity, awareness, elicit language, education and counsel.

Introduction

Treatment and improvement
Administration (lightning, seating, family member)
Scoring and interpretation

Section 1: Reading Difficulties and Strain & Fatigue Symptoms

Administration
Scoring and interpretation

Section 2: Tasks

Administration
Scoring and interpretation

Overlays

Standard administration
Alternative method of administration
Different ways to handle the overlays

Distortion Pages: How and when to use

Use of the magnifying bar, colored ruler and visor
Scoring and interpretation
Screening Reporting Form

Mathematics - Enhancing Students’ Problem Solving Skills

Presenter: Susan Pittman
Contact Hours: 4.5
Audience: ABE/GED Teachers

Activity Overview:
This workshop is designed to provide adult educators with information, skills, and resources they can use to help students improving their math problem solving skills. The workshop is designed to provide teachers with strategies they can use in both ABE and GED programs. The highly interactive workshop will focus on building math vocabulary, using graphic organizers to solve problems, and using a variety of problem solving strategies in the classroom.

Objectives:
Participants will be able to:

Identify and use key math vocabulary
Use a graphic organizer to solve problems,
Use nine strategies for solving math problems as identified by the National Council for Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM)
Use internet resources as instructional tools when teaching math

Reference Resources: (Some of the following references have incorrect links, please contact Lucille Dominguez at West GREAT Center to obtain correct links.)

Ashcraft, Mark H and Kirk, Elizabeth P. Math fears subtract from memory, learning. Science News June 2001, Vol. 159, No. 26 retrieved from the World Wide Web at http://www.sciencenews.org.

Curtain-Phillips, Marilyn. The causes and prevention of math anxiety, retrieved from the World Wide Web 01 24 05 at: http://www.mathgoodies.com/articles/math_anxiety.shtm.

Kenyon, R., Accommodating Math Students with Learning Disabilities. Focus on Basics, Vol. 4, Issue B, September 2000. Retrieved from the World Wide Web on January 30, 2005 at http://www.gseweb.harvard.edu/~ncsall/fob/2000/kenyon.html

Curry, D., Schmitt, M.J., and Waldron, S. A framework for adult numeracy standards. The Adult Numeracy Practitioners Network, 1996 retrieved from the World Wide Web 05/01/05 at http://shell04.theworld.com/std/anpn//framewkTOC.html

Small, M., Bernard, B., Gould G., McManus, J., Robichaud, S., Numeracy Boost: Background Materials for Adult Learners in Mathematics, National Adult Literacy Database, Ontario, CA 2001 retrieved from the World Wide Web on 5/01/05 at http://www.nald.ca/FULLTEXT/numboost/cover.htm#contents

The Adult Basic Education Teacher’s Toolkit, Texas Center for Adult Literacy and Learning. Retrieved from the World Wide Web on 05/05/05 at: http://www-tcall.tamu.edu/toolkit/ch07.htm

Algebra Bingo A fun game to get students familiar with terminology. Retrieved from the World Wide Web on 05/10/05 at: http://www.sageoak.com/bingo.asp?whichbingo=Algebra.

Algebra Lab An online learning environment that focuses on topics and skills from high school mathematics that students must be able to draw upon in their introductory science courses. Retrieved from the World Wide Web on 05/10/05 at: http://www.algebralab.org/

Allmath.com A math website which covers multiple mathematics principles and applications for multiple grade levels. Retrieved from the World Wide Web on 05/10/05 at: http://www.allmath.com/.

An Online Algebra Text: A full online textbook by James Brennan, Boise State University. Retrieved from the World Wide Web on 05/10/05 at: http://www.jamesbrennan.org/algebra/.

Clever Games for Clever People: Mathematic games that can be used in the classroom to teach critical thinking and problem solving skills. Taken from: Conway, John. 1976. On Numbers and Games. New York: Academic Press, Inc. Retrieved from the World Wide Web on 05/10/05 at: http://www.cs.uidaho.edu/~casey931/conway/games.html.

ESPN Sports Figures: Lesson plans and activities that combine sports, math, and science. Retrieved from the World Wide Web on -05/10/05 at: http://sportsfigures.espn.com/sportsfigures/.

Explore Math.com Interactive math activities with lesson plans. Higher level math for your students with the capability of setting up your own pages. Retrieved from the World Wide Web on 05/10/05 at: http://www.explorelearning.com/.

Florida TechNet Free lesson plans, professional development, and an Internet library. Retrieved from the World Wide Web on 05/10/05 at: http://floridatechnet.org/.

Geometry Online An introduction to the study of geometry. Retrieved from the World Wide Web on 05/10/05 at: http://math.rice.edu/~lanius/Geom/

Guide to Problem Solving This site was developed by an ABE teacher from Minnesota. It is an online course which provides studets with basic information about problem solving and how to improve problem solving skills. Retrieved from the World Wide Web at: http://www.mnlincs.org/abeonline/solving/index.htm

Introduction to Geometry An introduction to the basics of geometry. Retrieved from the World Wide Web on 05/10/05 at: http://library.thinkquest.org/2647/geometry/intro/intro.htm.

LINCS Science and Numeracy Collection This site contains numerous links to science and mathematics materials and resources. Retrieved from the World Wide Web on 05/10/05 at: http://literacynet.org/sciencelincs/studentlearner-num.html

Mathematics Resources on the Internet This website contains hundreds of links to math websites. Retrieved from the World Wide Web on 05/10/05 at: http://mathres.kevius.com/

National Council of Teachers of Math Professional organization for teachers of mathematics. Research, publications, national standards, and general information are available at the site. Retrieved from the World Wide Web on 05/10/05 at: http://www.nctm.org/

PBS Teacher Source. Lesson plans and lots of activities for all math levels. Retrieved from the World Wide Web on 05/10/05 at: http://www.pbs.org/teachersource/math.htm.

PurpleMath.com If you’re looking for practical algebra lessons, then look no further. This site gives great practical tips, hints, and provides algebra examples. Also it helps to point out common mistakes. Retrieved from the World Wide web on 05/10/05 at: http://www.purplemath.com/modules/modules.htm.

Quia Top 20 Math Games Check out the games in other areas. Retrieved from the World Wide Web on 05/10/05 at: http://www.quia.com/dir/math/

Teaching and Problem Solving Sites Includes such informational sites as: Algebra.Help, The Math Forum, etc. Retrieved from the World Wide Web on 05/10/05 at: http://www2.hawaii.edu/suremath/sites.html.

The Math Forum This comprehensive math website provides articles, lesson plans and support for any topic in mathematics from K-12 through advanced college courses. The site provides students with sample problems in every mathematical area. "Ask Dr. Math" allows students to ask about math problems and receive an answer via the Internet. Retrieved from the World Wide Web on 05/10/05 at: http://mathforum.org/.

Instructional Activities:
Individual and small group activities will be interspersed throughout the workshop. Teachers will have an opportunity to practice using the graphic organizer so they in turn will be comfortable using it with their students. Teachers will also have an opportunity to practice using each of the nine strategies identified by the NCTM on a variety of problems drawn from:

Number operations/number sense
Measurement and geometry
Data, statistics, and probability
Basic algebra

Activities completed during the workshop will be taken from the Mathematics Resource Guide provided to each participant.

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Mathematics – Building Content Knowledge

Presenter: Bonnie Vondracek
Contact Hours: (Please contact Lucille Dominguez at West GREAT Center to obtain contact hours.)
Audience: GED Teachers

Activity Overview:
Math is the universal language, yet it is often an abstract function to students that has no meaning in their real lives. Students need strong, basic math skills in order to be prepared for more advanced math. This workshop will focus on different strategies to teach the basics of math and how they can be applied to both the classroom and the real world. Teachers will complete hands-on types of activities, brainteasers, and games that their students will enjoy. A math teacher resource guide will be provided to each participant.

Objectives:
Participants will be able to:

Identify student needs within each of four math content areas, including number operations/sense, measurement and geometry, data/statistics and probability, and algebra
Integrate appropriate strategies in the classroom to assist students in enhancing math skills in each of the content areas
Use an assortment of techniques for improving basic math skills in each of the content areas
Use appropriate strategies to assist students in overcoming math anxiety

References: (Some of the following references have incorrect links, please contact Lucille Dominguez at West GREAT Center to obtain correct links.)

Ashcraft, Mark H and Kirk, Elizabeth P. Math fears subtract from memory, learning. Science News June 2001, Vol. 159, No. 26 retrieved from the World Wide Web at http://www.sciencenews.org.

Curtain-Phillips, Marilyn. The causes and prevention of math anxiety, retrieved from the World Wide Web 01 24 05 at: http://www.mathgoodies.com/articles/math_anxiety.shtm.

The Adult Basic Education Teacher’s Toolkit, Texas Center for Adult Literacy and Learning. Retrieved from the World Wide Web on 05/05/05 at: http://www-tcall.tamu.edu/toolkit/ch07.htm

AAAMath This site has hundreds of pages of basic math skills, interactive practice, challenge games and random math problems. Retrieved from the World Wide Web on 06/01/05 at: http://aaamath.com.

Allmath.com A math website which covers multiple mathematics principles and applications for multiple grade levels. Retrieved from the World Wide Web on 06/01/05 at: http://www.allmath.com/.

Aplus Math Click on the worksheets and create your own drills. Can specify number of problems per page, types of problems, etc. Retrieved from the World Wide Web on 03/20/05 at: http://www.aplusmath.com/.

Colby Community Math Department A mathematics reference collection of "K through 14" math tables, facts, definitions, formulas and explanations. Retrieved from the World Wide Web on 06/01/05 at: http://www.colbycc.org/www/math/math.htm.

Coolmath4kids Although it says 4kids, this site has something for everyone. Here is a fun way to learn more about math in a way that is interactive and has a lot fun stuff to do. Amusement park designed especially for fun and learning. Retrieved from the World Wide web on 06/01/05 at: http://www.coolmath4kids.com.

ErforA Education Resources for Adults is a website that includes numerous resources focusing on communications and numeracy. The materials are suitable for adults with functioning levels between 6.0 and 12.0. Retrieved from the World Wide Web on 06/01/05 at: http://www.fodoweb.com/erfora/index.asp.

ESPN Sports Figures Lesson plans and activities that combine sports, math, and science. Retrieved from the World Wide Web on 06/01/05 at: http://sportsfigures.espn.com/sportsfigures/.

Explore Math.com Interactive math activities with lesson plans. Higher level math for your students with the capability of setting up your own pages. Retrieved from the World Wide Web on 06/01/05 at: http://www.explorelearning.com/.

Funbrain Activities, games, and puzzles in basic areas of mathematics. Retrieved from the World Wide Web on 06/01/05 at: http://www.funbrain.com/.

Gameaquarium.com Online games in all different areas of mathematics. Retrieved from the World Wide Web on 06/01/05 at: http://www.gamequarium.com/math.htm.

Math in Daily Life Annenberg site for applied math skills for daily life. Retrieved from the World Wide Web on 05/10/05 at: http://www.learner.org/exhibits/dailymath/.

Motivating Math An interactive algebra site. Retrieved from the World Wide Web on 05/20/05 at: http://www.motivatingmath.com/html/Algebra1-5.html.

Mrs. Glossers’ Math Goodies Puzzles, games, activities, algebra etc. for all ages. Retrieved from the World Wide Web on 05/08/05 at: http://www.mathgoodies.com/.

Professor Freedman’s Math Help Information on basic math and algebra written for the adult audience. Retrieved from the World Wide Web on 06/10/05 at: http://www.mathpower.com/.

Quia Top 20 Math Games Check out the games in other areas. Retrieved from the World Wide Web on 05/10/05 at: http://www.quia.com/dir/math/.

Schoolwork.UGH! this site includes links to numerous math resources on the Internet. Retrieved from the World Wide Web on 05/10/05 at: http://www.schoolwork.org/math.html.

Instructional Activities:
Individual and small group activities will be interspersed throughout the workshop. Teachers will have an opportunity to practice a variety of math algorithms so they in turn will be comfortable using them with their students.

Activities completed during the workshop will be taken from the Mathematics Resource Guide provided to each participant.

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Math GED

Overview: A four-hour professional development workshop that focuses on mathematics. The workshop will be research-based and will include strategies and activities that teachers can take back to the classroom. Participants will receive resource materials that can used in the classroom when conducting individualized, small-, and large-group instructional activities.

The workshop will focus on:

The basic question types included on the GED tests and the importance of teaching students how to evaluate the question types in order to avoid common errors
The importance of building students’ content knowledge in each of the four primary content areas on the GED Mathematics Test, including:

Number operations and number sense
Measurement and geometry
Data analysis, statistics, and probability
Algebra, functions and patterns

Tips, tricks, and techniques that can be used in the mathematics classroom to improve students’ understanding and application of basic math concepts/principles.

Each participant will receive a Mathematics Resource Guide which will include general information on the GED Mathematics Test, research-based strategies, reproducible handouts, games, and activities that can be used in the classroom

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The Multi-level ESL Class-Opportunity for Cooperative Learning

Presenter: Susan Tollefson-Mullins
Contact Hours: 6
Audience: Adult ESL instructors

Activity Overview:

The challenges ESL instructors face in adult multi-level classrooms involve more than varying levels of English; differences in educational background, individual, and situational factors add to the complexity. Sharing responsibility for learning is one way to meet these challenges. Working from the premise that adult learners should be involved in planning and evaluation, this training involves participants in developing cooperative learning strategies and skills. Emphasis will be placed on practicing the material presented, allowing participants to try out new strategies which they can use to create participatory and cooperative learning environments.

Objectives:

Participants will explore, deepen, and value their individual and collective knowledge base in order to support and increase their skills and strategies as ESL instructors in multi-level settings.

Participants will be exposed to cooperative learning strategies, and be given the opportunity to practice them.

Participants will learn practical ways to involve their students in the planning and evaluation of their learning experience, and be given the opportunity to put some of them into practice.

Participants will gain a greater understanding of how to create a learner-centered, participatory and cooperative learning environment in a multi-level classroom setting.

Participant will explore building an instructor “learning community,” experimenting with ways to build a safe, supportive and cooperative environment.

Reference Resources:

Bell, J. (1991). Teaching Multilevel Classes in ESL. Carlsbad, CA: Dominie Press, Inc.

Bingman, B. and Bell, B. (1995). Teacher as Learner: A Sourcebook for Participatory Staff Development. Knoxville, TN: Center for Literacy Studies, University of Tennessee.

Holt, G. M. (1995) Teaching Low-Level Adult ESL Learners. Washington, DC: National Clearinghouse for ESL Literacy Education. Retrieved October 24, 2005, from the Center for Adult English Language Acquisition Web site http://www.cal.org/caela/esl_resources/digests/HOLT.html

Huerta-Macias, A. G. (2002). Workforce Education For Latinos: Politics, Programs, and Practices. Westport, CO: Bergin & Garvey.

Imel, S. (1998).Using Adult Learning Principles in Adult Basic and Literacy Education. Columbus, OH: ERIC Clearinghouse on Adult, Career, and Vocational Education. Retrieved October 24, 2005, from Ohio State University Center on Education for Training and Employment Web site
http://www.cete.org/acve/textonly/docgen.asp?tbl=pab&ID=88

Klein, B. (2004). Developing Learning Communities. Riverside, CA: 4Faculty. Retrieved October 24, 2005, from the 4Faculty.org Web site http://www.4faculty.org/includes/digdeeper/lesson4/learning_communities.htm

Marshall, B. (2002). English That Works: Preparing Adult English Language Learners for Success in the Workforce and Community. Washington, DC: National Clearinghouse for ESL Literacy Education. Retrieved October 24, 2005, from the Center for Adult English Language Acquisition Web site http://www.cal.org/caela/esl_resources/digests/Englishwks.html

Moss, D. and Van Duzer, C. (1998).Project-Based Learning for Adult English Language Learners. Columbus, OH: ERIC Clearinghouse on Adult, Career, and Vocational Education. Retrieved October 24, 2005, from Ohio State University Center on Education for Training and Employment Web site http://www.cal.org/caela/esl_resources/digests/ProjBase.html

National Center for Family Literacy and National Center for ESL Literacy Education (2004). Practitioner Toolkit: Working with Adult English Language Learners. Washington, DC: Office of Vocational and Adult Education, U.S. Department of Education. Retrieved October 24, 2005, from the Center for Adult English Language Acquisition Web site http://www.cal.org/caela/tools/program_development/prac_toolkit.html

Instructional Activities:

The Workshop will model a participatory, collaborative and cooperative approach to multi-level instruction. (Note: Following is a proposed outline only and will change depending on feedback from participants.)

Forming a Learning Community – Getting to Know Each Other

Large group activity

Needs Assessment / Goals / Group Planning

Small group discussion and reporting back
Use of KWLH chart

Developing, Planning, Practicing, Evaluating, Reflecting, Practicing Again: Presentation of Cooperative Learning strategies and practical process

Use of a variety of activities within different group settings to practice new skills and strategies

Mini-Presentation: Research, Promising Practices – and the Isolated Instructor

Small group discussion, feedback, and recommendations for Instructor support and continued professional development

Evaluation Activities

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New Student Orientation, Goal Setting and Portfolio Development

Presenter: Janell Baker
Contact Hours: 6
Audience: ABE, GED and ESL teachers

Activity Overview:

New student orientation will familiarize teachers with an orientation model that increases student retention and progress. The workshop will cover the importance of goal setting and how to use student portfolios so the student and teacher can monitor the progress toward reaching those goals.

Objectives:

Teachers will be able to implement a new student orientation
Teachers will be able to facilitate goal setting with their students
Teachers will be able to assist students in monitoring goals for completion or adjustment.

Reference Resources:

Normand, A. (2002). New Beginnings, Project VITAL, Southwest Texas University

Mittler, Joel E. (1997) The Portfolio Assessment Guidebook, Joel E. Mittler, Ed.D, Steck-Vaughn Berrent

The Portfolio Assessment Handbook, Esther Fusco, Ph.D, Berrent Publications

Instructional Activities:

Information will be presented through overheads, hands on activities, and sharing of activities.

Individuals will be asked to share what they are currently doing. Groups activities will include role playing during goal setting and scenarios depicting different situations in the adult education classroom.

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Second Language Acquisition and the Low Level Adult ESL Learner

Presenter: Claire Valier
Contact Hours: (Please contact Lucille Dominguez at West GREAT Center to obtain contact hours.)
Audience: ESL Teachers

Activity Overview:
This session will highlight a variety of approaches and techniques for teaching language acquisition to low level ESL language learners. Instructional planning will include teaching the skill areas of reading, writing, listening and speaking by using realia, dialog, music, games and more in the context of meaningful learning activities. The session will include activities that can be adapted to match learner’s needs in terms of the subject matter and rate of learning. Appropriate materials will be demonstrated and discussed.

Objectives:
Participants will be able to:

Identify different approaches for teaching second language acquisition
Decide which techniques/strategies are most appropriate to achieve learning gains with their learners
Identify a variety of content material appropriate to the learner’s language level proficiency
Adapt classroom activities and procedures so they maximize second language acquisition and learning

Reference Resources:

Each participant will receive a workshop resource guide. This guide will provide all of the references and resources used to develop the workshop. In addition to research and reference materials, the guide includes websites that teachers may use with their students.

Instructional Activities:

Participants will be involved with both individual and group activities throughout the presentation. Teachers will practice cooperative learning in pairs, small groups and teams with the different activities listed.

TPR
Dialog
Picture Stories
Language Experience
Assortment of games

All activities will be taken from the workshop resource guide that will be provided to each participant.