Brian Pack

The Validated and Empowered Child Brian Pack

Excerpts

The most significant criterion, nevertheless, was assuring universal engagement, and that typically occurred when students were empowered as leaders and decision-makers. It was in this arena that they received maximum validation.

Along that line, my concern is that substantial numbers are "falling through the cracks" in high school, validated primarily by media-driven sources, and not task management procedures that build confidence and self-control.

Teacher-directed presentations (lectures) mixed with leadership and close order collaborative sessions ranging in complexity can deliver the interaction that amplifies student assertiveness, camaraderie, and knowledge acquisition. In this context, therefore, they are respected and manage discourse by holding each other accountable for appropriate social conduct, internalizing good values, and promoting self-control. Assertive leadership and cooperative settings are novel, and the consequential biochemical effect is two-fold: amplify cognition and develop confidence in the capacity to engage everyone in friendly social discourse.

Reviews

This is very impressive and right on the mark, super informative and intriguing. This presentation and program can go a long, long way in reforming education and bringing schooling into the 21st century.
Michael Koren, National Council of Social Studies Teacher of the Year

This is an excellent resource for teachers who wish to invigorate the learning experience and make their classrooms an interesting place where students thrive rather than merely endure the class. The special stress on active learning encourages students to take control of their education and promotes a stronger and more rewarding learning dynamic.
Christopher Chan, Professor of English Studies, Marquette University

Very impressive work. Solidly based with research studies yet exceptionally well-written in an easy to read, conversational style. It is an excellent book, thoughtful, thought-provoking.
Bob Sylwester, Professor Emeritus Educational Psychology, The University of Oregon

Energy and commitment to this book, the research and scholarly references, as well as the fine quality of the writing style are beyond those of a single or even dual discipline author. An amazing work across disciplines (science, education, language).
Carolyn Stephens, Emeritus Professor English and Literature, Concordia University Wisconsin

This is quite developed. I love the stories of success in the classroom with this innovative teaching style, followed up with basic or applied science that justifies the highlighted pedagogy. Very exciting and well-produced. It's fascinating that good learning goes hand in hand with "pleasure." All the more relevant this notion is for youth.
James Topitzes, Associate Professor Social Work, University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee