BrainObics and Metacognition: Exercises for the Body and Brain

Sixth grade teacher and NSU EdS student, Gina Brinkley of Jesup, Georgia was astonished to witness firsthand the power of the brain-based educational technique BrainObics. Brinkley says, "by fifth period children are usually too tired to get productive learning done, but when I started implementing BrainObics, the energy in the classroom took off and these kids actually started learning even so late in the day. I love watching the 'lightbulb' go off in the children's brains. And that happens a lot now."

Just as important as movement, Brinkley has found that teaching the students how to use metacognition and the toolbox of cognitive assets that she learned in the degree program are critical for ensuring student learning.

Brinkley has nearly completed the Educational Specialist (EdS) degree earned at NSU 100% through distance learning. The degree uses the latest advances in brain, cognitive, and student achievement research to help kids learn much more effectively.

Brinkley said the distance learning aspect of BrainSMART's program has allowed her to continue her own education without compromising her responsibilities to her family and in the community. Instead of eating up time on a commute, she can channel her energy into lesson plans and making memories with her school-age son, Ashton.

Brinkley said she especially loves teaching young adolescents as they make sense of the turbulent transition from childhood to young adulthood Brinkley teaches sixth grade at Arthur Williams Middle School, part of Wayne County Public Schools in Wayne County, Georgia.