The BrainWise Program
The Teaching Strategies and the Curricula
- The 10 Wise Ways curricula helps everyone, from kindergartners to adults, learn how to analyze problems using a process that teaches about the brain and the connection between thinking skills and making good choices.
- BrainWise is taught as a stand-alone program, an enhancement to current courses, or as a prevention program to deter problem behaviors.
- BrainWise is taught in group settings or to individuals. The curricula contain scripted, easy-to-follow lessons and incorporate activity-based learning and role-plays.
- The 10 Wise Ways lessons are integrated into activities inside and outside the classroom.
- The curricula provide practice exercises to retain thinking skills, helping build neural pathways that connect to higher brain functions.
BrainWise Research
Compared to a control group, BrainWise students showed a statistically significant decrease in reports of physical aggression, feelings of sadness, loneliness and being upset. Students also gained the following skills:
- Information gathering
- Improved communication
- Conflict de-escalation and negotiation
- Assertiveness and honesty
- Identification and use of support systems
- Consequential thinking
- Decreased incidents of lying, fighting, and disrespecting others
Research findings on the human brain form the foundation for the BrainWise program:
- A growing body of data on the brain's functions including "neuroplasticity," the ability of the brain to be flexible and learn new skills. Dr. Eric Kandel won the 2000 Nobel Prize in Medicine for his research in this area.
- The identification of methods to teach important skills that build neural connections to higher brain functions.
- The understanding that cognitive skills must be learned and practiced to be maintained. Use builds and reinforces the pathways to higher brain functions.
Contact
Christine Cerbana
Project Director of CFERT
970-491-2101
christine.cerbana@colostate.edu
The BrainWise Program
1760 Lafayette Street
Denver, CO 80218
Phone: 303-837-9484
Fax: 303-837-1691
PLC@brainwise-plc.org
www.brainwise-plc.org