Whole Brain Teaching: The Basics

[jmork1881]

My kindergarten students and I absolutely love this teaching style. It allows them to talk, to share their ideas, to teach their friends, speak through out the lesson, and the students all have fun learning. Students can wiggle, talk, be silly, and laugh.... and still focus quickly again to learn. :-) 

[Random00Factor]

I absolutely love this! To the people who say this is a satire, or a joke, or just repetition, you would be surprised how well this works! The students stay engaged, the lesson gets taught, and there might be time left over for conversations at the end... Don't push all teaching methods through a little hole, and don't force everybody to conform to the way you were taught in the past.

[rbeeth]

Thank-you Chris. I'm a 5th grade teacher with 35 students. These management techniques are a tremendous help. + They work!

[Wastelander30]

A charming satire, though my spine tingles with terror in realizing just how many people took this in earnest.

[RegulusPure]

Despite the fact that this seems quite ridiculous, especially for older kids, there are some things I like about it. The biggest thing I like about it, is that the kids are teaching each other. One of the main reasons I became a teacher was because of the saying "you don't truly understand something until you can teach it." The microlecture thing was interesting as well. The more learning you can leave in the hands of the kids the better. 30 seconds might be too short though.

[RegulusPure]

Uhm. Bizzare, and I couldn't follow what was going on at all.

[ahundal13]

I'm opposed to this type of teaching. It is merely repetition with barely any real understanding. This is not learning.

[wowitzkate]

@ahundal13 What?! Yes, the "Class-Yes" is repetition but it keeps them engaged. When someone is able to explain something in his or her own words (teaching) it requires much higher-level thinking than just memorization. So, of course this is learning! The students were teaching throughout the entire lesson!

[tuitionfruition]

I got seriously lost and wonder how much practice the students had before shooting this video. There's no way I would get all of this info after only hearing it once

[Igi293]

he is kinda scary the guy who is teaching cause he is like TEACH COME ON YOUR LIKE AWESOME U CAN DO IT

[imperfectionKillz]

Great! Now you can focus on changing the content of what's being taught.

[kholoudest]

power teaching worked well in my class. I took some of the strategies that would suit 4th graders. Students were more involved in speaking now than before, thats a fact I wouldn't deny. However the excitement it fades out after a while, so you just keep engaging the students in the lesson using different ways. Otherwise, to the students it would become a routine.

Love power teaching, it made me think of different ways in teaching.

[elteacherjulian]

I used this method long ago, and it worked for me, but of course, it is just a tool, and it must be used with other different methods too.

[camilaeleuterio]

I just keep watching this video over and over!

[dnoplos]

this is a joke. just another fad. Learn to teach effectively and you won't need a "flavor of the month" like this.

[thinkandycohen]

Engaging. Fun. Love the energy in the classroom. Effective?

[MonsieurGurke]

Wer noch Angst vor dieser Entwicklung hat hatet das Video und liked mich. Das kann es doch nicht sein, Studenten wie austauschbare Kleinkinder zu behandeln. Hier zäht doch wirklich nicht mehr der einzelne mit freiem Gedankengut, sondern nur die Masse mit dem gefütterten Wissen/ den vollgespeisten Festplatten -.-

[nexusxmoon]

Real teaching start with physical discipline and ends in Morality.

[SuperJaxson5]

I LOVE this!!!  I teach Kindergarten and these ideas will help me so much!! Thank you!!

[mrgreanjeans]

this is awesome! i used a little bit of it at the end of the year and it was a lot of fun. I cant wait to use it this year!

[bokisa]

wtf! what joke is this? :|

[LeslieLaraful]

@bokisa ofcourse u are not a teacher XD

[LeslieLaraful]

@bokisa ofcourse u are not a teacher XD

[LiberalPRIEST]

Has this method been proven with inner city kids? I looking at an inner city such as the Bronx for example.

[williams28]

@LiberalPRIEST What age? I can't testify to all ages but in elementary classes (K-5) I have seen it work. To a certain extent I believe some of this is a fad. But I took some of the gestures and reactions and integrated them into my classroom in NOLA and it's worked; I've also seen veteran teachers use it and have it work. Just like a 12 step program, you take what you like and leave the rest. Some of this may work better than others, but you have to try it to find out.

[LiberalPRIEST]

Interesting method

[ddd1600]

cult-ish...

[mariposa5322]

Thank you! I LOVED this video. My son (who's a sub now) and I watched it and cracked up. It's perfect for junior high kids who are filled with energy!

[SuperTruth77]

I’ve found going into Teaching after a career as an Adult Movie actor tough. All the time kids pretty much openly masturbate or come on to me in class.

The Head just laughed dismissively when I told her, saying “What the HELL do you expect? Kids watch that stuff all the time on YouPorn & think it’s real!” She blames the industry for a general breakdown in standards of behaviour & claims we are powerless to stop it. This is an example of the prejudice Adult actors face on a daily basis.

[footballking1122]

This is awsomee!!!

[sweet88tears]

wtf!!

[joydacuan]

Wow! This is awesome. I'll do this strategy in me demonstrations. Thankyou so much. ^^

[WerewolfOfTheWater]

lol what is this, first grade?

[sayitallforkevinj]

My bio teacher decided to do this, I think its immature and stupid, I ont find it helpful, its not fun funny or anything of the sort its very annoying and boring. we dont even "teach" eachother we make fun of the lesson or the method its just not worth it.

[motherHENderson]

I think I need to look more into this power teaching thing.

[hilltopperchick]

@sailbeyondthesunset It appears he is using future educators how to use this method and the effectiveness of it.

[jeanswali08]

i love this! this is fantastic! i want to do this!

[hilltopperchick]

@jeanswali08 Me too! But I would definitely have to do it more slowly and keep it where there is not so much to remember at one time. Ha Ha! I do love it though. I'd really like to have some PDs on this!

[kvosu25]

@Vandenbu

WBT teaching is about understanding basic information quickly. For my 7th graders who speak Spanish as a first language, it's a great opportunity to learn and practice English. It forces them to pay close attention (because they'll have to teach it) and it allows them to make and correct mistakes (because they get to talk to just one person and get feedback instead of talking to the entire class and feeling dumb).

[kvosu25]

Chris Biffle is a god! This has transformed my classroom of ELLs.

[crazynfunnyone]

my ap world history teacher uses this :D he rocks !!

[brandytc07]

Love This!!



[gafg540]

Loooooool....Funny Class....I Want Him To Be My Teacher...

[NCWBTeacher]

@10dollarnosebleed

In the face of the explanation given to previous posters on the purpose and content of this video, what exactly is your objection?

[NCWBTeacher]

@Vandenbu Basics 2

Once my students all have a grounding in the basics I can ask questions like "evaluate the direction the Roman Empire might have taken if Pompey had won the civil war rather than Caesar." or "Explain the impact of colonization on native populations, and the role technology plays in assuring the supremacy of a colonizing power. You choose the imperialists."

Again, only off the cuff examples of the amazing things you can accomplish with WBT with a little imagination.

[NCWBTeacher]

@Vandenbu Basics 1

If that were all there were to it I would agree with you. However, you need to recall that this is a demonstration of the most basic level of the method for teachers who are wanting to learn how to begin. This does not reflect the typical everyday practice for most classes.

I teach the basic facts like this to establish a common knowledge base.

[NCWBTeacher]

@laudunensis

You have seen a very short segment of one class with an intended audience of teachers. A bit of a snap judgement on you part when you have so litel experience with what is actually going on.

[NCWBTeacher]

@Vandenbu

Actually, I am a middle school teacher by day, but an adjunct college history instructor by night. My classes typically have a wide range of backgrounds and ages. I use this method with great success. The complaint from my college students when taking very detailed, cumulative exams, is that I did not use the method enough. According to them, and item analysis, the information taught in this manner is recalled much more easily and accurately than through traditional lectures.

[NCWBTeacher]

@am1984ine

There is a lot more to a WBT class than what little you are seeing on this video. The point of this video is just to demonstrate the basics of the method for teachers who are just beginning to use it. It does not come close to revealing the depth and power of the method.

Many WBT teachers weave in traditional methods, and a wide variety of alternative assessments. Do not judge to quickly when you know so little about what a full class looks like.

[jake5ray]

Ok...I'm gonna try this in my class. I'll let you know how it turns out. :)

[NCWBTeacher]

@lejni On Your Third Post

Remember that you are seeing an awfully short stretch of a class. Less than ten minutes of real time learning in any of these videos. The personality of the teacher and the students come out quite easily just as they would with any other method. In the seminars WBT trainers talk about combating the boardom, or habituation, by changing the way you do things. and always adding new, fun variations. Over time the kids will play a bigger role in teaching as well.

[NCWBTeacher]

@lejni On your Second Post

The students are repeating the information to one another- as they learn the basics. The students need to establish a common vocabulary and understanding for the terms before you can begin to move into higher thinking levels. The techniques are effective for differentiation. The amount you use the method depends on how familiar you are with it. It gets easier to use for a wider variety of activites over time.

[Jaedknight]

@lejni

If you have ever had any experience performing in a band or chorus, or choir think in those terms. In the same way that you can sing or play and still pay attention to the people in your section, and the rest of the group as a whole, student partners are able to listen to each other and learn very effectively.

[Jaedknight]

@lejni

If you have any experience singing in a chorus, or a choir think back to that. When you are preforming you listen not only to yourself, but also to the people in the same section as you, and to the rest of your group as a whole. You have no trouble distinguishing and respinding to other voices and instruments. In the same way the students can learn really effectively even though they are speaking at the same time.

[doobieuser]

I'm already trying this with my Honors Geometry class. It's working well. Especially with starting on time.

[svtuition]

Dear sir, you are really great teacher

[tbed63]

@Aprilshowersss I would have thought the same thing before using it with my kids. It's simply a structure to engage students in direct instruction. This method does not necessarily encourage or discourage conformity or critical thinking. It all depends on how the teacher uses it. Chris Biffle is an inspiring and wise educator. His methods work and keep way more kids in school than cause students to drop out. Of course nothing works for everybody and no method is ever perfect.

[kapat89]

I could not go to that webpage because it asked for username and password. My friend showed me this video and I thought it was an amazing way of teaching!! I believe it would and will grab the students attention by using motion instead of the normal lecture.

[Sundaysunny2]

Amazing, I will have to use this in my classes

[bornearth]

this is very interesting. on one hand they seem very engaged. on the other hand there does seem to be much critical thinking. but I can definitely see a place for this...in those moments when you want to help students recall or be exposed to facts.

[Donnalistening]

I am simply amazed! Not one one these students lose focus. What a great way to keep them actively learning!

[BabatheStoryteller]

There are so many similarities between this method and traditional West African bardic crafts that I'm left awestruck. Amazing work!

[blondie2495]

I had another teacher come teach a lesson to my students using power teaching yesterday. I LOVED IT!!!! I tried it for the remainder of the day and today and my kids are responding so well and I feel like a totally new teacher. I feel so energized and the kids see that. It takes a special teacher to still be energized 3 days before Christmas Break. Haha Thanks for the video!

[Darlnk]

I tried this today in my Visual Art class. It was such fun.The students reminded me when I forgot the gestures. Ill be using it again for sure. Even the shy kids responed really well and such a 'team' atmosphere in the room.

[RockaTeacher]

when students are in "teach" mode, do they know to alternate speakers? I have attempted this in my class several times by my first graders sometimes talk over one another or not at all. Is there a way around this?

[nospaces08]

Partner up your students with one child being the one and the other being the two. When you say teach let the ones go first, then say switch and then let the twos go. You have to model it and explain this explicitly, especially for 1st graders, but it can be done. My first graders just naturally knew to take turns speaking because I had always stressed that in class. But if they are having problems then using "switch" would be a good idea.

[ineractivek]

Please let me know how I could use power teaching to teach spoken english to non english speakers. Is there any site or link from where I could learn to use this technique.

[GenkiJapanNet]

We've been using it to great effect to teach English to non-English speakers.

You just teach the rules like Chris does above, ( although this does take longer and needs explanation in the students own language) Then you just swap the content for your normal lesson content.

With "Teach OK" part we also use it for the students to practice the language with each other as well as teach it. It all works great.

[riverrat422]

I have had such classroom management and behavior issues my first year of teaching. Now finally at the end of the school year I find these videos!! The response is great for most of my kids...I would definitely recommend this to any struggling teacher. I think I have found my niche!

[utopianconstruction]

why all the negatives for people asking questions?

[nattles19]

Great for ESL learners too!

[sandreniner]

i taught circuit theory.. how can i use such technique?

[FORSAKENLOVE32]

Guys do you think I could use this to teach Spanish??

[McKennahLane]

I work as a sub and even in the short span of time I am with kids (grades 2-8 so far) this method works...INSTANTLY!

Considering I am only there for a SHORT while, I use the class-yes, teach-ok, and scoreboard only. Oh wait, hands and eyes too!

I have had teachers return to the classrooms (to pick up something they forgot for a meeting) and they are shocked as to how their crazy class is super-attentive and participating.. better than if THEY were there themselves!

[McKennahLane]

I have also had the chance to sub for teacher's aides and special services personel - which takes me into the classrooms but not as the teacher in charge of the entire class. And while watching these teacher's struggle to get the attention of unruly non-participating kids I am longing to shout "Hands and Eyes! Hands and Eyes!" If only more teachers knew about this...there would be some much more teaching going on in the schools (and a lot less wasted time!).

[RACHAELSGIRL]

As a student of Mr. Biffle I think he's wonderfully insane. It works, I remember more dates than I've ever remembered.

[philipmarkedwards]

is this sustainable? over how long a period?

[SBK12341]

It can be in my opinion. Yes...if it is not crafted the right way it could lose its potency over time. I think the best way to do this is do it a few ways to test how students will react over time. Implement it daily for the first few weeks of class so they get the routine down...then space it out and use it when new concepts need to be introduced whole group. A language arts lesson could take a few days...so you do it at the beginning get students engaged with it.

[tsweerheim]

I have done a few of these techniques and my kids completely respond! AWESOME!

[munay7]

Tried it in my first session in the semester. I was so happy how my college students positively responded to the "class" "yes" and "ok". The tension was gone and they looked forward to the following sessions. Great!

[munay7]

Let me try this. I think this is amazing!

[ChantaBrite]

This is exactly what I need for my class. I'm a brand new teacher. I have learned tons in just 7 minutes. I love how it's so simple and how it forces you to have a clear lesson plan with easily identifiable objectives. I'm trying this on monday!

[headlessprofessor]

I am honored to have Biff as a colleague. I even team taught a course with him. The power teaching stuff really works. If you are hesitant about it, just try one little thing (e.g., the gestures) and notice the impact.

[adventureguidemom]

This is incredible, just what I was looking for. I know something was wrong in my classroom because I was boring MYSELF. This is engaging the students, with fun, with learning, and my goodness, it doesn't appear to involve weeks of planning and cheesy prizes.

[jennybateacher]

This is just fantastic! My students respond positively in every way - great attitude, incredible attention, and big increases in concept retention. I never thought something so simple could make such a difference for my students.

[NicoleIL]

actually they don't! They'll remind you if you start slacking.

[PukkPukk]

I think that this is more of a classroom management technique, and It seems that to make you class more effective we should mix it up rather than using the same method all the time. Here I think the students that enjoy a boisterous atmosphere would benefit, the more introverted student may shy from this. Good question!

[womankind121]

nospace- i wonder that, too. I teach children with Specific Learning Disabilities who are 8th graders functioning on a second-third grade level. Did I mention they are inner city street wise kids as well?

[rockinthestandards]

Chris Biffle's stuff is awesome. It's all about engaging students and getting away from the endless lecture. By using this technique, teachers are able to check for understanding, modify instruction, and energize their classrooms! Way to go Chris!!

[fedoraoriginali]

I love this technique. Especially for ADD kids who need high stimulation or for those who have Auditory Processing Disorder who need constant checks if they have processed the correct information.I am from Australia and will be pushing for this method in our school. Thank you soooo much!