Speakers
Description
Short summary
Avid readers will share insights from a variety of books. Some provide perspectives on language learning and cultural diversity, others look at brain plasticity, the ways we rewire our brain when learning to speak and read languages, the negative consequences of digital technology on reading, and the positive effects of mindfulness on executive functions and neural plasticity. Come and share a great book you have read and join our yoga session at the end.
Description
The Brain SIG forum will share insights from a selection of interesting books, linking language learning and globalism beyond the traditional classroom. Becky Alp will give us a broad perspective on language learning and cultural diversity. The books of her choice are The Cultural Map (Erin Meyer) and Behave (Robert Sapolsky). Then we move on to the question of if and how we can rewire our brains, starting with Scott Bowyer, who will explore ideas from Engaging the Rewired Brain (David A. Sousa) and discuss their relevance to language teaching. Next, we focus on reading, a crucial component in language education. Brianna Hamamoto will discuss the amazing neural plasticity deployed in reading and the negative consequences of digital technology on the cognitive mechanism of reading, drawing from Reader, Come Home: The Reading Brain in a Digital World (Maryanne Wolf). Finally, the vital aspect of our brain rewiring is our cognitive functioning, much needed for a global citizen’s language learning. Sirisha Komanduri will introduce positive effects of mindfulness on executive functions and neural plasticity through Patanjali Yoga Sutras (Patanjali, ed.). We invite everyone to share one of their favourite brain-based books as well. The session will conclude with a yoga activity, so participants are encouraged to come prepared to join in!