Spark Learning: 3 Keys to Embracing the Power of Student Curiosity - Softcover

Musallam, Dr. Ramsey

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1946444138 ISBN 13: 9781946444134

Publisher: Dave Burgess Consulting, Incorporated, 2017

Synopsis

Curiosity changes everything. In 2008, Ramsey Musallam was stuck in what he describes as an ineffective rut of “pseudoteaching.” Students liked him, but they didn’t get the point of his lessons. They did well enough on the tests, but they failed to really understand the material. He wanted more—for them and for himself. Maybe you can relate. For Ramsey, the journey to a better way of teaching began not in the classroom, but on the operating table where he underwent a new, lifesaving heart surgery. His surgeon’s confidence, dedication, and curiosity sparked an idea in Ramsey: What if teachers adopted the qualities his surgeon exhibited and were inquisitive, ready to explore, discover, try, and, yes, even fail? What if students could learn to adopt those traits as well? Those questions launched a quest to inspire inquiry and harness its benefits. Spark Learning, inspired by Ramsey’s popular TED Talk “3 Rules to Spark Learning,” combines brain science research, proven teaching methods, and his personal story to empower you to improve your students’ learning experiences with ... Easy-to-implement ideas for sparking curiosity in your students Strategies for encouraging students to embrace the mess of learning Practices for effective reflection that propels future learning—and greater curiosity Technology tips to make it simple to collect and use your own inspiring ideas

About this title

About the Author

Ramsey Musallam is a secondary science instructor at Sonoma Academy in Santa Rosa, California. Ramsey has also has served as an adjunct professor of education at the University of San Francisco and Touro University in the San Francisco Bay Area. Prior to his role as a science instructor at Sonoma Academy, Ramsey served as a Science Instructor and Director of Inquiry and Innovation at Sacred Heart Cathedral in downtown San Francisco for 15 years. In addition his role as a science teacher, Ramsey runs invention workshops for elementary and middle school students in the greater Bay Area.Ramsey delivers keynotes, webinars and facilitates workshops for teachers nationally and internationally with a focus on using technology as a strategic classroom partner in designing learning environments grounded in inquiry fueled by student curiosity. Additionally, Ramsey is the host of the Infinite Thinking Machine, an internet TV show dedicated to sharing innovative ideas for teachers and students. Ramsey's TED Talk "3 Rules to Spark Learning" is widely popular with classroom teachers, and was the lead talk on TEDs first ever PBS TV premiere, "TED Talks Education." Upon graduating from the University of California Davis with a BS in Molecular and Cellular Biology, Ramsey went on to obtain a MA and Ed.D in Education from the University of San Francisco. Since graduating, Ramsey's research interests have shifted from using Multimedia to manage student Cognitive Load, to a focus on harnessing Multimedia as a tool in cultivating student curiosity, inquiry and motivation.

Review

"Through years of thoughtful reflection Ramsey has developed a profound understanding of teaching and learning. This book gives the rest of the world a chance to walk the halls of his mind." Aaron Sams, Author, EdTech Leader, Education Faculty at St. Vincent College

"Ramsey captures the essence of what it means to pursue excellence in our teaching practice since our students and our communities deserve our best. Although we're not all surgeons doing life-saving work every day, this analogy reminds us of the critical contributions that teachers can and do make daily. Thanks Ramsey!"Gregory T. Rushton, PhD, Associate Professor of Chemistry, Stony Brook University

"I've read what Ramsey writes, and I've seen him speak, and he never fails to spark new ideas and curiosity in me. You'll find his thoughts intriguing, the examples practical, and the ten bonus strategies wonderful tools for making great things happen in your classroom!"Rushton Hurley, Founder, NextVista.org

"Ramsey Musallam's affinity for curiosity is contagious, inspiring teachers all over the globe to bring curiosity to the forefront of learning in the classroom. Spark Learning, will capture you with researched based ideas and real classroom applications to ignite wonder and curiosity in your students."Lisa Highfill, Teacher, Coach, Author

"Ramsey Musallam is that teacher we all wanted to have in school. In fact, after seeing Ramsey, Sir Ken Robinson, Angela Duckworth, Bill Gates, Rita Pierson, John Legend and others share their 'ideas worth spreading' at the first TED Talks Education, my then 10 year-old son said he wanted to be a student in Ramsey's classroom! High praise indeed! Ramsey embodies the enthusiasm, joy and yes - curiosity of a child in his own work as a classroom teacher. As I saw firsthand through his work hosting my nonprofit's show, the Infinite Thinking Machine, for four seasons - his passion is infectious, perhaps even 'ridonkulous' in its effectiveness to teach." Mike Lawerence, CEO, CUE 

Edition details

• Publisher: Dave Burgess Consulting, Incorporated
• Publication date: 2017
• ISBN 10: 1946444138
• ISBN 13: 9781946444134
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 166