'Teach with a smile, learn with a laugh'- Dr Marcia Tate

Teachers were inspired by the innovative ideas presented by keynote American speaker Dr Marcia Tate at an education conference in Invercargill yesterday.

Her speech covered strategies that engaged the brain and created a fresh learning environment for pupils.

After the presentation, Dr Tate told The Southland Times the development of computers had created children with shorter attention spans.

"They are used to the images coming at them a lot quicker," she said.

Pupils were used to visual stimulation from computers, and that needed to be brought into the classroom.

"Stop hiding behind worksheets and get more active with the children," she said.

Laughter in the classroom was something Southland teachers could encourage, Dr Tate said.

"If they are laughing, then learning will be more fun."

Salford School teacher Emma Trotter said after listening to Dr Tate's advice she would increase her pupils' movement in the classroom. She also planned to create more active learning while teaching, and "more hands-on practical, brain-friendly ideas", she said.

Music and visual exercises would also be introduced to keep pupils' minds active.

Dr Tate has been in the education industry for 37 years and owns a business called Developing Minds.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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