Quantum Learning Blog

21st-century Skills for Today’s Students

Bobbi DePorter — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 19:53:00 GMT

In his excellent article, "Rigor Redefined," in the October 2008 issue of Educational Leadership, Tony Wagner, Co-director of the Change Leadership Group at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, identified the following seven skills as critical for today's students to master:

Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
Collaboration and Leadership
Agility and Adaptability
Initiative and Entrepreneurialism
Effective Oral and Written Communication
Accessing and Analyzing Information
Curiosity and Imagination

Mr. Wagner has described precisely the learning skills, life skills and character values that Quantum Learning develops in students through our student programs and through QL teacher workshops.

At QLN, we agree with Mr. Wagner that teachers must prepare students for the 21^st-century global workforce. Since long before the turn of the century, Quantum Learning programs, using our core components, have empowered students to strive for and achieve greatness.

We're glad that others in the field of education are recognizing that it is essential for our students to master real-life skills core learning, communication and analytical skills. Quantum Learning will continue in our quest to train 10 million students in these skills by the year 2012. Whether you are a teacher, an administrator, or a parent, we invite you to join us in reaching our goal.

Closing the How-To Gap in Education

Bobbi DePorter — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 15:39:00 GMT

As I mentioned in part one of this series, Addressing the "How-To" Gap in Education, educators often struggle with a gap that is created between their knowledge of theories and methods and their ability to transfer that knowledge to their students. They understand these concepts, but don't know how to deliver them in a way that keeps students excited and engaged. To close this gap, universities must teach future teachers how to deliver content in ways that reach their students. Graduate schools of education must do this too. Yet, for the most part this is not done. A professor in the graduate school of education at a major university told me how difficult, if not impossible, it is to get courses on "how to teach" included in the curriculum.

Closing the "how-to" gap will also require that experienced teachers learn these important attitudes, skills and techniques. True, they are taking in-service workshops and seminars, but most simply do not offer what the teachers need in order to deliver that final ten percent.

I've been in this field for over 25 years, and in that time I've seen some great teaching. I've seen students at every level, from primary grades to adult education, become engaged, excited and positively enthusiastic about learning. I've seen attendance soar, test scores rise and discipline problems disappear. I have seen what works put to work in the classroom. It's not magical, it's not difficult, and it's not expensive. Some teachers discover it for themselves.

But just imagine if every teacher were able to bridge the "how-to" gap. What would school be like if teachers were able to "reach" their students consistently? What if everything they did was on purpose, interesting and engaging? What if every student found learning exciting? What if they got the message that they are bright and capable and bound to succeed? What if teachers knew what they needed to do in the classroom so that the students actually learned and retained what the teachers were trying to teach?

When taught how to effectively deliver content to get the outcome they want - joyful, engaged, successful learning - rookie teachers say, "This is what I thought I'd learn in college but never did." Veterans say, "That's what I've been trying to do my whole career. That's why I got into teaching in the first place." We must teach teachers how to deliver content in a way that "reaches" students and makes the content meaningful and relevant to their lives.

It All Starts Here and Now

Yes, we're failing our children, and closing the "how-to" gap is an answer to this horrific problem. Every minute we delay in filling the "how-to" gap, that's one more child we've failed - one more frustrated teacher with passion and heart, standing before a class frozen, wanting badly to reach students, and not knowing how. Learning ABOUT teaching, but not HOW TO teach is not okay. We cannot afford to wait any longer. We have to make a start-here and now.

Next week I will share some tips with you on HOW TO close the HOW-TO gap in education.

Addressing the How-To Gap in Education

Bobbi DePorter — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 16:08:00 GMT

This is the first of three posts I will be making over the next few weeks concerning one of the most prevalent problems in teaching today.

Our educational system is a mass of contradiction. It is peopled by smart, dedicated professionals at every level. It has access to jaw-dropping technology and is supported by massive amounts of money from local, state and federal agencies. It has every reason to be the best educational system in the world. Yet the plain truth is, nationally the system is failing. Too high a percentage of our students are failing because, in spite of all of this, we are failing our students.

There’s no point in citing the statistics; we’ve all heard plenty about falling test scores, dropout rates and teen illiteracy. When we hear such things, it hurts. And it hurts more because we have the money, the knowledge and the people we need to succeed. So although there are high-achieving schools and school districts, compared to what we should be achieving nationally, the system is failing.

Nearly all educational professionals are clear on the results they’d like to see: students interested and involved in learning, higher academic achievement, lower absenteeism, and improved discipline. But, statistically, we can all see that things are getting worse—not better.

Pinpointing the Problem: The “How-To” Gap

Our teachers are usually well-schooled in academic subjects, child psychology and educational theory. They graduate from college full of knowledge, dedication and enthusiasm. But when they get to their first day of school, they find that they have little idea how to apply what they know in the classroom. They don’t know how to connect the theories they learned to the results they want to achieve. They don’t know which tool to use to accomplish which task. There literally is a “how-to” gap.

Experienced teachers, feeling the pain of this gap, take seminars and workshops, only to wind up with notebooks on the shelf and the same old frustrations in their classrooms. The frustration comes in realizing they “know” 90 percent of what they need. They’ve been taught theories and methods, yet they’re missing the final ten percent of what they need to “reach” the kids. They’re missing the delivery—the things that spark the kids’ interest in a subject, help them learn, make the subject meaningful and get them excited about it. The "how-to" gap remains.

I will discuss how we can close the “how-to” gap in part two of this series.

One-Day Leadership Training Program for Administrators in Illinois

admin — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 16:20:00 GMT

For those administrators who cannot make it to Oceanside, California to attend our QLA program being held next Friday the 24th, we are holding another one-day leadership training program entitled "A Motivated School: Quantum Learning and Leadership in Practice," at the Elgin, Illinois campus of National-Louis University on Friday, November 7, 2008 from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.

Principals and assistant principals in Illinois and surrounding states, don't miss out on this powerful one-day experience! This program will teach you how to stimulate greater leadership capacity and motivation in your educators through the use of the Quantum Learning System. Tuition for this program is $275 per person and includes six hours of professional development training, course materials and lunch. Bring a team of three and pay only $265 per person.

You can register by phone at 800-285-3276, ext. 115, enroll online, or download a registration form and mail or fax it in. We look forward to seeing you at this valuable day of leadership training on November 7.

Attention Administrators!

admin — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 22:27:00 GMT

Quantum Learning Education is offering a one-day leadership training program for administrators who are looking to increase staff enjoyment in their teaching as well as student engagement and success in the classroom.

This Quantum Learning for Administrators (QLA) program, entitled "Quantum Learning and Leadership in Practice," will be held at our QLN Campus in Oceanside, California on Friday, October 24, 8:30am to 3:00pm. During this powerful day, school principals, assistant principals and directors of curriculum/instruction & training will enhance their skills to become even more effective leaders who are able to create and maintain joyous, engaging schools through the use of the 8 Keys of Excellence. In addition, we will explore creating a pervasive culture of character and ways to support teachers as they create great environments for students to learn.

Although administrators across the country have enjoyed the Quantum Learning approach in other states, this will be the first time we will hold one at our headquarters. To celebrate, this will be our "signature" QLA and will be videotaped and used for a future DVD program. So don't miss out on an opportunity to be part of QLA history!

The registration fee for this phenominal program is $265, which includes lunch, course material, and a resource kit valued at over $250. You can register by phone at 800-285-3276, ext. 115, enroll online, or download a registration form, fill it out and mail or fax it back to us.

More information on this and other great training programs from Quantum Learning Education is available at www.QLN.com. We look forward to seeing you at this valuable day of training on October 24.

Students Start the New School Year with Quantum Learning

admin — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 18:30:00 GMT

A new school year has already begun in many parts of the country. In Tennessee, many students will benefit from the Quantum Learning training their teachers received this summer. Read an article from The Tennessean that discusses how Quantum Learning has become a big part of the curriculum throughout Sumner County.

QLT professional development programs are continuing throughout August in school districts around the country, while many other teachers have benefited from attending one of Quantum Learning's two teacher workshops that took place at the QLN Campus in Oceanside, California, this summer.

QLN Senior Facilitator Shari Murphy Speaks About the QL for Teachers Program in Internet TV Interview

admin — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 22:13:00 GMT

Shari Murphy, Senior Facilitator for Quantum Learning Network, recently sat down with Dr. James Cunneen and Dr. Kenneth Jandes, hosts of InTimeTV's "Hot Topics for Educational Leaders", to share with them her experience with the Quantum Learning for Teachers program and the many benefits it provides. Shari, who began her teaching career with a fourth grade class of disruptive students, found that her undergraduate coursework did not fully prepare her to handle difficult situations and failed to provide her with practical application of the material she was taught. She was first introduced to the Quantum Learning for Teachers program in her early twenties. She found it provided all of the answers she had been looking for and began presenting the teacher workshops internationally at age 23.

In this one-hour interview, Shari explains some of the key components to the program's success, which include the FADE Model, the 8 Keys of Excellence, the Success Model, and the importance of state changes and music, as well as tips to implement these strategies in the classroom.

Mark Reardon Rejoins QLN

admin — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 19:44:00 GMT

Mark Reardon rejoined Quantum Learning Network on August 1, 2008 in the newly-created position of Chief Operating Officer. Mark has enjoyed a long and highly distinguished career in education, including seven years (1989-1996) as Director of Training and Program Development at Quantum Learning Network.

Through experiences as a teacher, trainer, administrator and author Mark’s 23-year journey in education has focused on discovering what really works in teaching and learning. In 1999, Mark co-authored Quantum Teaching – Orchestrating Student Success with QLN president, Bobbi DePorter, and Sarah Singer-Nourie.

Prior to rejoining QLN, Mark became the founding principal of Classical Academy High School in Escondido, California, a school dedicated to partnering with parents in preparing a personalized learning environment for students that encourages competent, life-long learners ready for college, career, and citizenship.

His career also includes administrative, teaching, consulting and entrepreneurial roles in education. Mark is a much sought after educational conference and seminar speaker. Recent conference appearances include the Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development, National Staff Development Council, Career and Technical Education, Association of Christian Schools, International Alliance for Learning, and the Brain Expo.

He also has co-authored the following books: HotTips for Teachers, HotTips for Speakers, HotTips for Facilitators, Strategies for Great Teaching, and Put Me In, Coach!

At QLN, Mark will bring his broad knowledge, boundless energy and spirited enthusiasm for improving the quality of education through discovering what works. Welcome back Mark!

QLT June 2008 Workshop

Margaret — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 15:56:00 GMT

To the amazing educators who participated in the public 5 day QLT training in June, 2008,

Thank you for an awesome five-day training! Your talent, wisdom, and commitment to excellence are truly inspirational! We all grew personally, professionally and made the shift within so our students can make the shift in our classes in the fall! Our very own Helen de la Maza has come up with a great Enrolling question for us! "Do you want to know what could enable us all to support each other as we delve into the QLN system and implement it in our respective educational settings?" Come join us on the QL blog where we can post questions, answers, suggestions, successes, and challenges. This forum will keep us connected and help us support each other. I look forward to hearing from you!

"I like it, I love it, I want some more... woosh!"

p.s. Helen, thank you for your vision and willingness to help us stay connected!

Students Gain Valuable College Skills at Quantum U’s 8-Day College Summer Camp

admin — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 22:25:00 GMT

Is your son or daughter graduating from high school this year and entering college next fall? Or maybe your student already is in college and is struggling with grades or just not focused on preparing for his or her future. College success does not come easily. It requires learning and applying college skills that are different from what students acquire in high school. At Quantum U’s college summer programs, students gain valuable learning and life skills that help prepare them for college success and a successful life after college.

To help your son or daughter achieve the level of college success you all want, enroll them in our eight-day college summer camp. Eight days at Quantum U will help improve your soon-to-be or current college student’s chances of a happy and successful college career by providing the learning and life skills necessary to handle their challenges, manage their independence, and take full advantage of all of the exciting opportunities college has to offer.

Our college prep program will be held this year at the beautiful Colorado College in Colorado Springs. For eight days in July, students eat, sleep, interact, and learn on this beautiful campus in a safe community environment.

For more information on how your son or daughter can benefit from our amazing college summer programs, visit the Quantum U website, call us at 800-285-3276, or email us at info@quantum-u.com.

Senior Forum Kicks Off at Stanford University

admin — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 21:02:00 GMT

Senior Forum, SuperCamp’s academic summer camp for students entering grades 9 through 12 in the fall, begins today at the beautiful Stanford University campus in Palo Alto, California. Students from across the U.S. will spend 10 days focusing on self-discovery, independence, and powerful skills that will help them achieve both academic and personal success in the future.

The academic skills that these teens acquire will work to ease school stress, help raise grades, improve reading comprehension, and increase test scores including standardized tests such as the SAT and ACT. They participate in exciting learning-to-learn courses that challenge them to reach their own conclusions and think at a higher level.

Students also learn valuable life skills which offer methods that encourage them to express themselves, pursue goals, take ownership for their decisions, and align their actions with their values. They discover specific strategies for resolving conflicts and clearing up misunderstandings, develop greater confidence in their abilities, and best of all, learn how to make the best of each moment of their lives.

See Quantum Learning in Action

admin — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 21:42:00 GMT

A 90-second video that shows Quantum Learning for Teachers training in action in Williamson County, Tennessee and contains comments from several teachers and administrators there on the importance and value of Quantum Learning captures the essence of what QL is all about for anyone who isn’t familiar with it. The video was sent out to all teachers, principals and parents in the entire Williamson County school district, which contains 37 schools and almost 30,000 students. Take a minute and a half and watch the video!

College Students Learn Valuable Communication Skills at Quantum U

admin — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 22:53:00 GMT

Quantum U is an 8-day college summer camp that specializes in giving high school graduates and current college students the skills they need to have a successful college career. One important life skill that Quantum U emphasizes is communication.

In an environment of emotional safety, like at home, it is easier for teens to communicate their feelings with others. They can experiment and practice in such an environment because they know it's okay and that they will be accepted.

When students leave home and enter college, they lose that safe environment they’ve been accustomed to for so long. With the uncertainty of new surroundings, new college students often struggle to communicate with the people around them, in fear that they will be rejected or misunderstood.

At Quantum U, team-building activities are weaved in throughout the day. Every morning before breakfast, campers sing special team cheers for the facilitators. Music and rhythm are powerful aids to bonding. When campers learn how great it feels to reach out and connect with others, they automatically begin to think further beyond themselves than they did before.

A few days into camp, when the trust level is high, campers are divided into groups of four and are asked a series of questions about their inner dreams. Team Leaders are very aware of their trust levels, and each question in the series moves a little deeper on the trust gradient. With each answer, students venture a little further out of their comfort zones. After they've spent a few minutes sharing, a Team Leader asks them, "How does it feel to share those dreams with someone?"

Since the process of getting there is gradual, the teens often don't realize until this point how brave they're being. Their reaction is typically, "Wow! I'd never imagined I could do this!" Most of them say it feels great - scary, but great. Yet, just a few days earlier many of them could not have done it at all!

At this point they've spent several days in a place where they're accepted for who they are. They know that if they speak they'll be heard. It still makes them feel vulnerable to tell something so personal to people they just met days before. But it's a lot easier for them to step out of their comfort zones when they know they won't be laughed at, belittled, put down, or judged.

Quantum U is held this summer from July 14 through 21 at Colorado College in Colorado Springs. For more information on enrollment visit the Quantum U website or call 800-285-3276.

Improve Teaching and Increase Passion with QL Teachers Public Workshops

admin — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 21:34:00 GMT

Our first Quantum Learning for Teachers Public Workshop starts on Monday, June 23. If you’re signed up, you can look forward to five days of discovering the best and most effective tools to sharpen your teaching skills as well as ways to bring more fun and passion into your profession.

If you missed out on this one, not to worry; we will hold a second 5-day workshop from July 21 through 25 at our QLN Campus in Oceanside, California. Space is still available for the second session, however early registration is recommended to ensure your spot.

Our QLT Public Workshops are open to all educators, including K-12 teachers, Administrators, Special Ed instructors, and Counselors. Watch our brief video in which our facilitators and other teachers talk about the value of attending a QLT Public Workshop.

For more information on our programs and special discounts available, or to enroll, visit our teacher workshops webpage or call 800-285-3276, ext. 115.

Students Learn How to Learn at SuperCamp

admin — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 23:35:00 GMT

At SuperCamp’s summer programs, students learn to apply themselves to learning and develop a new interest in school. “SuperCamp,” said one mother from Del Mar, California, “changed my daughter from getting below average grades to honor roll in one semester. She can apply herself much more easily and is far more confident.”

Result of a recent study involving over 6,000 SuperCamp graduates ages 12 to 22 show that 81 percent of the graduates felt more confident and 98 percent continued to use the skills they had learned at camp.

What’s the formula behind SuperCamp’s success? It may be the educational philosophy of co-founder Bobbi DePorter. Heeding a call from parents, she created a program that fills a gap left by traditional education. At SuperCamp, students learn to expand beliefs and accept that they can learn anything quickly and successfully.

They discover that what one student can do, so can the other, if the tools are given to succeed. Students are taught that limits can be broken and are given the tools and the experiences to do it. With a new set of beliefs, self-confidence and motivation increase dramatically, say the co-founders.

A proper physical environment is also important to better learning. SuperCamp uses one that stimulates the senses with the sights, sounds, and touch of success.

An important part of SuperCamp’s philosophy is that students are taught how to learn, not what to learn. Students gain knowledge of specific tools that can be applied to any school subject, including foreign languages. Courses include test preparation, writing, reading comprehension, communication, and memory.

SuperCamp’s academic summer camps will be held in 8 to 10-day sessions throughout the summer at eight college campus locations across the country. For more information on enrolling your student, visit the SuperCamp website or call 800-285-3276.