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What is accelerated
learning?
Accelerated learning and
teaching derive from the work of Dr. Georgi Lozanov, who found that people could learn
more quickly and easily in a relaxed but focused state, using baroque music and the power
of suggestion. The latter was often called Suggestopedia. That was in the 1970s. Since
then, the work of Dr. Lozanov has been augmented by research in many areas, including the
Neurosciences, physical sciences, multiple intelligences, emotional intelligence, learning
styles, thematic teaching, and neuro-linguistic programming, to name a few. Today
accelerated learning can be defined as a multi-modal way of learning and teaching, based
on brain/body research. It addresses the needs of all learners, and works primarily with
the enrichment of the learner's environment, both internal and external.
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What
is an enriched environment?
An enriched environment is
one that is free of harmful stress, yet filled with challenging learning activities that
utilize all of the senses and appeal to a full range of intelligences. In an enriched
environment, learners have the choice to progress at their own rate and in their own way.
Movement and music are used liberally, and the surroundings are visually stimulating and
exciting. Learners interact a great deal, but are also given time to reflect.
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Does
accelerated learning push students to learn faster?
Sometimes the term
"accelerated learning" is misunderstood to mean "hurry up and push the
child." This is not an accurate interpretation of the term. In fact, accelerated
learning methods encourage learning to occur in a very natural way, so the opposite is
really true. During accelerated learning activities, the brain slows down and the learner
becomes like a child, playful, curious and imaginative.
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Where did
these "brain technologies" originate?
They come from many
different individuals and disciplines. Here are a few: Howard Gardner's theory of multiple
intelligences; the learning-style theories of Anthony Gregorc and Ken and Rita Dunn;
Marion Diamond's research on the regeneration of the brain; Robert Orstein's brain
research; Glenn Doman's work teaching babies to read; research in the Neurosciences;
transpersonal psychology; Georgi Lozanov's breakthroughs in foreign-language teaching;
neuro-linguistic programming (NLP); educational kinesiology; Maria Montessori's early
childhood education methods; SuperCamp®; and research on the use of music by Dr. Georgi
Lozanov, Dr. Ivan Barzakov, Ole Andersen of the LIND Institute®, Chris Brewer, Don
Campbell and Arthur Harvey.
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Is accelerated
learning a form of brainwashing?
No. Accelerated learning
methods teach you how to operate your own brain rather than let it cruise on automatic
pilot. Improving your ability to think and learn allows you to take charge of your life.
You don't lose control, you gain self-control.
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Where
can I find research reports supporting accelerated learning methods?
The best-selling book, The
Learning Revolution by Gordon Dryden and Dr. Jeannette Vos, documents major controlled
research studies as well as dozens of reported incidents of impressive learning gains
experienced by people of all ages. For example: entire classes of preschool children who
read, write, spell and do mathematics at age four; a chemistry teacher who raised student
achievement by 52 percent; and a class of eleven-year-olds whose average achievement
advanced three grade levels in ten weeks. The book is painstakingly referenced and
contains an extensive resource section.
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Why
should I attend a workshop?
It isn't enough to read
about accelerated learning methods, you need to experience them. A skilled practitioner
can show you how to use the methods correctly to achieve optimal results. At LRI
workshops, you will see the very best learning and teaching methods in action. As you
participate in the courses, you will experience learning breakthroughs and be inspired to
apply the methods to every area of your life.
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What
makes LRI workshops unique?
LRI workshops and seminars
use the best learning and teaching methods from around the world. There is no one way to
teach and learn. Workshop participants are exposed to over 100 tested methods. And Dr. Vos
customizes every training to meet the needs of her clients. Dr. Vos is one of the few
accelerated learning trainers who holds a doctorate in the area of learning/teaching
methodology. For her dissertation, she completed seven years of research on accelerated
learning/teaching methods, and she practices those same methods in workshops
internationally. Therefore Dr. Vos is both a researcher and a practitioner. Students
around the world know her as "the teacher who practices what she
preaches.
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What
are Dr. Vos' workshops like?
Dr. Vos conducts her
workshops in an experiential hands-on way. She is one of the few trainers who walks her
talk. You won't be bored with endless lectures. When Dr. Vos talks about using the senses
and the body for learning, she models it. Her workshops encompass drama, music, dance and
graphics, yet are based on the Neurosciences. So you get an integration of both art and
science throughout the workshop.
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Who
attends the workshops?
Teachers, educators,
corporate trainers, parents and individuals who want to achieve breakthroughs in their own
learning. Dr. Vos has trained tens of thousands of people internationally, in schools,
universities, libraries, hospitals, businesses, and government agencies. In addition to
educators, she has worked with parents, corporate executives, aerospace workers, medical
personnel, human resource professionals and private consultants-even the Princess of
Thailand.
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What
are the benefits?
Benefits vary from person to
person, but these are some of the main ones: You can cut your study time in half; learn
anything faster and easier; optimize your talents and skills; become more creative and
inventive; learn to use music and movement to increase performance, reduce stress and
improve health; and facilitate the learning and growth of your children, students and/or
workers. If you're in business, all of this can lead quite readily to increased
profits.
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How
can I get my organization to accept this approach to learning?
Experience wields the
greatest impact. Get some of your colleagues to attend a workshop, or schedule on for your
entire staff. If that's not possible, encourage your colleagues to read books and articles
on the subject. You can also prepare and distribute a fact sheet listing research findings
pertaining to various teaching methods and the way the brain works. The Learning
Revolution by Gordon Dryden and Dr. Jeannette Vos is a good source of this information.
Lastly, model the methods yourself. Accelerate your own learning. If you are a teacher or
trainer, implement brain-compatible methods in your classroom. Call attention to the
results, and then offer to do a workshop or presentation to share the
methods.
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What is neuro-linguistic
programming (NLP)?
NLP was developed in the mid
1970s by John Grinder, a professor at the University of California, Santa Cruz, and
Richard Bandler, a graduate student at the time. NLP is a collection of models and
tools/techniques that deal with the way communication impacts and is impacted by
subjective experience. Major models usually associated with NLP include sensory acuity and
physiology, the "meta-model," representational systems, eye accessing cues,
submodalities and metaprograms. Several excellent books are available on NLP. However, the
best way to get past the terminology and really understand NLP is to take a workshop where
you can see the techniques modeled, as well as receive competent training and
coaching.
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When should I use music in
my classrooms?
If using music is new to
you, one of the easiest ways to start is by playing lively or inspirational "come
in" music as students or trainees enter the room. Use it to set a positive tone for
the session. Another way is to choose a theme for your presentation, workshop, or unit of
study and play portions of it at the beginning of the lesson, during breaks and whenever
you want to emphasize a point. Slow Baroque music facilitates studying, test-taking and
other activities that require concentration. You can also use music to pick up the pace
when participants seem tired or bored. Choose something they like and have them move or
dance to the music. Serene, quiet selections, like Mozart, help to calm excited or
agitated students, making them more receptive to learning. These are some very basic
suggestions; the possibilities are virtually endless. The soon-to-be-published, The Music
Revolution by Dr. Jeannette Vos is a comprehensive guide for teachers and trainers with
six accompanying CDs. Everything you need in one package!
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