Optimising Memory

Workshop Description:  Throughout school pupils are expected to remember huge amounts of information yet they are never taught HOW to do this. By understanding how our memory works,  we can improve our capacity to take in, store and recall information. We are then able to utilise this in more complex cognitive tasks such as applying, comparing or evaluating the information. These are skills that we use throughout our lives, far beyond our school years.

This training looks at how we can apply what we know about memory from the cognitive neuroscience research and put this into practice in the classroom. The training will be very 'hands on' exploring practical strategies which can be used by teachers and pupils of all ages to develop a range of tools to enhance memory skills.

Target Audience:  Anyone in school including teachers, teaching assistants, headteachers, leaders, pastoral teams, Senco's and/or whole school staff. Sessions can also be adapted for groups of parents or older students wanting to apply this to revision strategies.

How: Available as a whole or half day INSET, series of twilights, individual or small group consultation.

Trainer: Andrea Smollan.  Andrea has practiced as a Consultant and Educational Psychologist for over 20 years and before that worked as a teacher in pre-school and primary school. She works with pupils, parents, teachers and senior leaders in schools to support and develop pupils' learning as well as their emotional and social wellbeing.  In addition she helps parents to understand how their children learn and supports teachers to further develop their skills and expertise. She is also a tutor on initial teacher training programmes (PGCE) and undergraduate degrees in Education as well as training other Psychologists at universities across London and abroad. She has presented at numerous conferences and runs ongoing training in schools to support the development of thinking and learning. She is passionate about the importance of understanding how we learn in order to become more effective learners.

Fee:  Variable depending on structure requested. 10% Discount for Thinking Matters member schools.