NSU, Cherokee Nation Partner for Teachers Camp

TAHLEQUAH Understanding that children in the classroom learn in different ways and that teaching methods must be implemented so all students can learn is the fundamental basis for a teaching camp set at Northeastern State University.

The Oklahoma Institute for Learning Styles at NSU and the Cherokee Nation have partnered together for the 2007 Summer Camp for the Brain: Calling All Nations, set for July 30-Aug. 2 in Tahlequah.

This years camp is unique in that it focuses on the learning styles of native populations, said Dr. Kay Grant, dean of the NSU College of Education. It is very fitting that such a conference be held at NSU, which has a rich heritage of working with Native American issues.

Educators from across the nation will attend the conference, which includes numerous interactive workshops conducted by nationally recognized authorities on different learning styles.

The workshops will be conducted by a number of extraordinary educators who have countless years of experience in developing and implementing teaching methods to fit students varying learning styles, said Dale Woody, camp director.

Dr. Sue Ellen Read, OIL executive director and NSU professor of Education, Kathleen Meckel, Doyon Foundation Teacher of the Year, and Ginger Mendenhall, OIL Star and Milken Award for Teaching recipient, are just three of the phenomenal educators presenting workshops at this years conference. Other faculty include Bobbie Back, Heather Davis, Dr. Terri Edwards, Linda A. Epperly, Lisha Kirby, Dr. Neil Morton, Chiyahi Thurston, Jan Warner and Dr. Louis White.

My whole philosophy is built around learning styles I believe every child can learn if the teacher will step out of the box, have fun and teach to students learning preferences, said Mendenhall.

Topics covered during the camp will include everything from integrating culture into curriculum to making history come alive for students.

Recent scientific studies make it clear that no two human brains are alike, said Read. Therefore, no two brains learn exactly the same way. The field of learning styles prepares teachers and learners how to best learn new or difficult information.

The Oklahoma Institute for Learning Styles is a non-profit research center whose mandate is dissemination of research and training.