242 Newsletter - March 21, 2014
At the very first meeting with new families back in September I spoke a length about EHS's propensity for innovation. This community continually...
At the very first meeting with new families back in September I spoke a length about EHS's propensity for innovation. This community continually finds new ways to maintain an innovative culture and nurture, even inspire, it within our students. Earlier this week I received the list of new and notable courses for the upcoming 2014-2015 academic year. I rest my case.
Have a great weekend,
Chris
PAPER CLAY SCULPTURE
Paper Clay Sculpture is an introductory course that encourages students to explore concepts of three-dimensional structures through the use of paper clay and hollow tube construction.
COFFEE HOUSE CLASS
Using the format of the 1950s Beat Generation Café, students will write poems, stories, songs, plays, and even create films to be presented at various times during the term. Students will also learn about the poets, writers and filmmakers of that period.
OUTDOOR THEATER
In Outdoor Theater, students will learn the history of theater in an outdoor setting. They will explore the humble beginnings of theater starting with Neanderthal storytelling traditions. Other units of study include Greek, Roman, Medieval, and Shakespearian theater. The Class will conclude with an outdoor performance from the class utilizing the Alsop amphitheater.
FREE FORM IMPROVISATION
This course takes improvisation to a new level. We will explore ways of raising the stakes, building on what has come before, and exploring the relationships of a scene. We will look at strategies for ending scenes that will be satisfying for both the audience and the performers. This is a great course for stage actors who would like to dip their feet into improvisational waters.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY: PCR TECHNOLOGY
The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a common technique used in medical and biological research labs for a variety of applications. These include DNA sequencing, DNA cloning, the diagnosis of hereditary diseases, the identification of genetic fingerprints (used in forensic sciences and paternity testing), and the detection and diagnosis of infectious diseases. Students will learn the variables that affect the PCR chemical reactions and learn the practice of generating small DNA sequences (oligomers) used as primers for the PCR reaction, setting up and running a PCR reaction and analyzing products using gel electrophoresis and using the PCR technique to sequence genomic DNA.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY: PLASMID TECHNOLOGY
A plasmid is a small DNA molecule that is independent from, and can replicate independently of, chromosomal DNA within a cell. Most commonly, plasmids are found as small circular, double-stranded DNA molecules in bacteria. Plasmid DNA is commonly manipulated in biological laboratories for a variety of applications, from recombinant protein production to the creation of DNA sequences used in the genome manipulation of laboratory species; for example, generating knockout mice.
Computer Applications
PROGRAMMING FUNDAMENTALS
Programming Fundamentals will explore and learn the code for several computer languages: JavaScript, Python, Arduino, Alice and Raspberry Pi. Students should have some background knowledge of HTML to proceed with this class. Students will work in a semi-independent class structure and also collaborate on the latest codes and how to apply these codes to everyday projects such as apps and interactive devices for websites.
ENGLISH
READING ABOUT LEARNING DIFFERENCES
In the Reading about Learning Differences class students read, discuss, and write about the memoirs and writings of individuals with distinctive ways of learning and specific learning difficulties, as well as attain a brief overview of the characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses associated with those disabilities.
THE LGBT EXPERIENCE IN LITERATURE
In this course, students read, discuss, and write about both fictional and non-fictional accounts of the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual & Transgender) experience. From novels and short stories to memoir, poetry, plays, movies and documentaries, there is a rich pool of texts and media to choose from in exploring this topic. Students will discuss themes often encountered in post-secondary literature courses while still in high school so an open mind and a measure of maturity are expected on the part of interested students.
AMERICAN LITERATURE: THE WORKS OF J.D. SALINGER
The recently deceased short story writer and American novelist (of high school standard The Catcher in the Rye fame) J.D. Salinger’s works are read and studied in this course aimed at having students focus on one author in depth. Students will look at Salinger’s works in a biographical context and learn to utilize critical lenses in their analysis.
CONSPIRACY THEORIES: FACTS AND FICTIONS
Students in this course take a trip through history in order to research, analyze, and discuss some of the most famous conspiracy theories (e.g., Who killed JFK? What is the New World Order?) In their analysis, students are challenged to consider how perspectives affect ways of thinking, juggle facts and fiction, and study various source materials for evidence in order to determine how theories arise.
HISTORICAL FICTION
The Historical Fiction course targets a piece of literature set in a specific location and time period in history. As the selected novel is read and analyzed, the setting, plot, characters, and events are considered from the lens of the historical and cultural aspects of the time and place being portrayed.
TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION AND BUSINESS WRITING
Business Writing will focus on using an effective writing style in the business world, ethics in business writing, and specific types of business communication including email, letters, proposals and social media. Course topics include basic foundational concepts, using visuals, appropriate style and design. Students will continue to hone their writing skills through practice in writing, revising and editing. Prerequisite: Juniors and seniors who have already taken Writer’s Workshop and are interested in business as a potential career.
GRIT LIT: STORY OF RESILIENCE
In recent years, it has become increasing clear that resilience is among the most important qualities for young women and men to develop. We also know that literary study is one of the best ways to understand complex ideas, cultivate empathy, and to nurture personal traits. In Grit Lit: Stories of Resilience students explore literary and historical accounts of determination, perseverance, and resolve.
COMEDY SKETCHES FROM PEN TO PERFORMANCE
In this playwriting course, students are placed with a writing teacher in order to read and study the works of comedy sketch writers, then compose their own pieces, both individually and in collaboration. Next, students work with a stage performance teacher on producing and performing their plays for the Eagle Hill School community.
HISTORY
THE WILD WEST
Learn about the cowboys, outlaws, and Native Americans who made the wild west legendary. The class will study the history of the settlement of the American West from early westward expansion through the late 19th century, as well as the impact on popular culture and the image of America at home and abroad.
TERRORISM AND COUNTER-TERRORISM
The goal of the Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism class is to raise awareness about the topic of terrorism and its ever-increasing complexity. The definition of terrorism will be scrutinized in the course of the class, including consideration of the motives of terrorists and the work of counter-terrorism. Several terrorist events will be studied in the process. Students will have access to recent and contemporary research materials from international centers on the scholarship of terrorism and counter-terrorism.
WORLD EXPERT
In this course, students identify a limited American historical topic (such as a person, a document, a treaty, a battle, an invention, a machine, etc.), research it, write an article about it, and publish the article—in print, on the Web, or both. The topic must hold some interest for the particular student, it must not have been studied in depth, it must have enough significance and inherent interest to warrant the publication of an article on it, and it must be of manageable size to treat thoroughly in an article. In the course of this project, each student will become the pre-eminent authority on his or her topic; s/he will also become conversant with some of the sources and techniques involved in specialized historical research, as well as with the requirements of historical writing and documentation. The resources of the American Antiquarian Society in Worcester—both its sources and its staff—will play an important part in the course. Students will travel to the AAS on several occasions and work with primary sources wherever possible. World Expert requires that students dig into some aspect of the past with thoroughness and perseverance, read a variety of 18th- or 19th-century documents as a key part of their research, and then write up their findings at considerable length and in minute detail. Students who enjoy activities such as these will flourish in the course.
LOST TOWNS OF THE QUABBIN
Four central Massachusetts towns--Dana, Enfield, Greenwich, and Prescott--and a number of smaller villages had to be totally eradicated when the Quabbin Reservoir was constructed in the 1930s to supply water to eastern Massachusetts cities and towns. This course explores why and how this happened, what the changes meant to the residents of the "lost towns," and what underlying issues are raised by the whole story. Students read essays and poems by displaced Swift River Valley residents, read and report on major books, watch two relevant videos, write their own responses (in several formats, including short plays) to the construction of the reservoir and the end of the valley, visit the reservoir and watershed area at two key points (the visitors center in Belchertown and the former town common of Dana), speak with former residents of the "lost towns," explore the Swift River Valley Historical Society in North New Salem, and compare and interpret maps and photos, among other activities.
WORLD LANGUAGES
RUSSIAN II
Russian II is designed for students who have completed Russian I. The course builds on the cultural knowledge and language acquired during the previous year and furthers their understanding of Russian. It will focus on thematic communication in Russian using conversational patterns by function (particular attention is paid to correct pronunciation), comprehension and presentation of the linguistic structures. Students will be exposed to the culture of Russia through videos, movies, music, reading, conversations, and research on cultural topics. Students will continue learning elements of Russian grammar, such as: personal endings of the verbs (conjugations), and noun/adjective agreement, cases of the nouns and adjectives. Students will read aloud from assigned texts, use targeted vocabulary in dialogues with their peers and the instructor, and complete a number of written activities.
GATEWAY TO THE HISPANIC WORLD
Gateway to the Hispanic World will provide the students the opportunity to discover the uniqueness and diversity of the Hispanic World. The students will be introduced to each of the official Spanish – speaking countries of the world. Regions covered will be Spain, Mexico and Central America, the Caribbean, and South America. Students will focus on geography, history, nature, art, sports, and contemporary trends of each region. The students will learn about these aspects of the Hispanic World through readings, videos, research, map studies, and crafts. Knowledge of the Spanish language is not required for this course. The course will be conducted in English.
MATH
STATISTICS I
The main objective of Statistics I is to provide students with skills to deal with acquisition, analysis and representation of data in useful formats. Topics include characteristics of data, statistical concepts, and statistical charts. Microsoft Excel is used extensively to process data and represent data graphically.
STATISTICS II
The main objective of Statistics II is for students to develop the skills to draw inferences about the statistics of population based on statistical procedure. Topics include probability, normal distribution, sampling theory and estimate of confidence intervals. Microsoft Excel and TI 83/84 are used to process data and represent data graphically.
New and Notable Courses 2014-2015
ARTS
BOARD GAME MECHANICS AND DESIGN
Students in this class will delve into the fascinating world of board game design. Utilizing existing mechanics, students will design and build playable prototypes, write clear instructions, and develop a “pitch” for how they might sell their ideas to board game publishers. Special attention will be paid to creating balanced games with reasonable play times and intriguing themes.
Students in this class will delve into the fascinating world of board game design. Utilizing existing mechanics, students will design and build playable prototypes, write clear instructions, and develop a “pitch” for how they might sell their ideas to board game publishers. Special attention will be paid to creating balanced games with reasonable play times and intriguing themes.
PAPER CLAY SCULPTURE
Paper Clay Sculpture is an introductory course that encourages students to explore concepts of three-dimensional structures through the use of paper clay and hollow tube construction.
CNC WOODWORKING
The CNC woodworking class takes the student through the process of planning, designing, programming and running projects on a Shopbot CNC machine. The students will learn the process and create original pieces. They will have the opportunity to choose and design their own projects and see them through to a final product. The sky is the limit in this class, and students are only limited to their imaginations and abilities. As they master the Vcarve software they will see their ideas come to fruition. Time will be divided between the desktop publishing computer room and the woodshop. While in the computer room, students will learn the software and design their projects. The second portion of the class will take place in the woodshop where their projects will be created using the CNC Shopbot machine.
The CNC woodworking class takes the student through the process of planning, designing, programming and running projects on a Shopbot CNC machine. The students will learn the process and create original pieces. They will have the opportunity to choose and design their own projects and see them through to a final product. The sky is the limit in this class, and students are only limited to their imaginations and abilities. As they master the Vcarve software they will see their ideas come to fruition. Time will be divided between the desktop publishing computer room and the woodshop. While in the computer room, students will learn the software and design their projects. The second portion of the class will take place in the woodshop where their projects will be created using the CNC Shopbot machine.
BUILD YOUR NOVEL SCENE BY SCENE
In this course, we’ll be walking through the novel-writing process from day one to a completed draft. We’ll begin by thinking about whether or not your novel concept can sustain 200+ pages. We’ll spend time outlining and assessing the narrative arc of your story. We’ll think more deeply about your characters, their desires, and their motivations. Then, the bulk of these next few weeks will be spent writing your novel scene by scene by scene.
In this course, we’ll be walking through the novel-writing process from day one to a completed draft. We’ll begin by thinking about whether or not your novel concept can sustain 200+ pages. We’ll spend time outlining and assessing the narrative arc of your story. We’ll think more deeply about your characters, their desires, and their motivations. Then, the bulk of these next few weeks will be spent writing your novel scene by scene by scene.
FILM AS AN ARTISTIC EXPRESSION OF CULTURE
In this course, we’ll be using films and written biographies of people, places, times, and ideas to better understand our culture, where it has been, where it is now and where it may be headed. Specific individuals and periods in history will be selected and discussed. In addition, the depiction in film of significant historical events will be explored.
In this course, we’ll be using films and written biographies of people, places, times, and ideas to better understand our culture, where it has been, where it is now and where it may be headed. Specific individuals and periods in history will be selected and discussed. In addition, the depiction in film of significant historical events will be explored.
THE HISTORY OF FILMMAKING
In this course we will be studying the beginnings of film as an art form through the examination of documentaries and research,. The Story of Film: An Odyssey is a journey through the history of filmmaking to the digital age. It will be used as a basis for discussion along with the documentary Side by Side, a film about the history of digital cinema technology and its impact on the film industry. Any student planning a career in film should consider taking this course.
In this course we will be studying the beginnings of film as an art form through the examination of documentaries and research,. The Story of Film: An Odyssey is a journey through the history of filmmaking to the digital age. It will be used as a basis for discussion along with the documentary Side by Side, a film about the history of digital cinema technology and its impact on the film industry. Any student planning a career in film should consider taking this course.
COFFEE HOUSE CLASS
Using the format of the 1950s Beat Generation Café, students will write poems, stories, songs, plays, and even create films to be presented at various times during the term. Students will also learn about the poets, writers and filmmakers of that period.
OUTDOOR THEATER
In Outdoor Theater, students will learn the history of theater in an outdoor setting. They will explore the humble beginnings of theater starting with Neanderthal storytelling traditions. Other units of study include Greek, Roman, Medieval, and Shakespearian theater. The Class will conclude with an outdoor performance from the class utilizing the Alsop amphitheater.
FREE FORM IMPROVISATION
This course takes improvisation to a new level. We will explore ways of raising the stakes, building on what has come before, and exploring the relationships of a scene. We will look at strategies for ending scenes that will be satisfying for both the audience and the performers. This is a great course for stage actors who would like to dip their feet into improvisational waters.
SCIENCE
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY: PCR TECHNOLOGY
The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a common technique used in medical and biological research labs for a variety of applications. These include DNA sequencing, DNA cloning, the diagnosis of hereditary diseases, the identification of genetic fingerprints (used in forensic sciences and paternity testing), and the detection and diagnosis of infectious diseases. Students will learn the variables that affect the PCR chemical reactions and learn the practice of generating small DNA sequences (oligomers) used as primers for the PCR reaction, setting up and running a PCR reaction and analyzing products using gel electrophoresis and using the PCR technique to sequence genomic DNA.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY: PLASMID TECHNOLOGY
A plasmid is a small DNA molecule that is independent from, and can replicate independently of, chromosomal DNA within a cell. Most commonly, plasmids are found as small circular, double-stranded DNA molecules in bacteria. Plasmid DNA is commonly manipulated in biological laboratories for a variety of applications, from recombinant protein production to the creation of DNA sequences used in the genome manipulation of laboratory species; for example, generating knockout mice.
Computer Applications
PROGRAMMING FUNDAMENTALS
Programming Fundamentals will explore and learn the code for several computer languages: JavaScript, Python, Arduino, Alice and Raspberry Pi. Students should have some background knowledge of HTML to proceed with this class. Students will work in a semi-independent class structure and also collaborate on the latest codes and how to apply these codes to everyday projects such as apps and interactive devices for websites.
ENGLISH
READING ABOUT LEARNING DIFFERENCES
In the Reading about Learning Differences class students read, discuss, and write about the memoirs and writings of individuals with distinctive ways of learning and specific learning difficulties, as well as attain a brief overview of the characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses associated with those disabilities.
THE LGBT EXPERIENCE IN LITERATURE
In this course, students read, discuss, and write about both fictional and non-fictional accounts of the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual & Transgender) experience. From novels and short stories to memoir, poetry, plays, movies and documentaries, there is a rich pool of texts and media to choose from in exploring this topic. Students will discuss themes often encountered in post-secondary literature courses while still in high school so an open mind and a measure of maturity are expected on the part of interested students.
AMERICAN LITERATURE: THE WORKS OF J.D. SALINGER
The recently deceased short story writer and American novelist (of high school standard The Catcher in the Rye fame) J.D. Salinger’s works are read and studied in this course aimed at having students focus on one author in depth. Students will look at Salinger’s works in a biographical context and learn to utilize critical lenses in their analysis.
CONSPIRACY THEORIES: FACTS AND FICTIONS
Students in this course take a trip through history in order to research, analyze, and discuss some of the most famous conspiracy theories (e.g., Who killed JFK? What is the New World Order?) In their analysis, students are challenged to consider how perspectives affect ways of thinking, juggle facts and fiction, and study various source materials for evidence in order to determine how theories arise.
HISTORICAL FICTION
The Historical Fiction course targets a piece of literature set in a specific location and time period in history. As the selected novel is read and analyzed, the setting, plot, characters, and events are considered from the lens of the historical and cultural aspects of the time and place being portrayed.
TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION AND BUSINESS WRITING
Business Writing will focus on using an effective writing style in the business world, ethics in business writing, and specific types of business communication including email, letters, proposals and social media. Course topics include basic foundational concepts, using visuals, appropriate style and design. Students will continue to hone their writing skills through practice in writing, revising and editing. Prerequisite: Juniors and seniors who have already taken Writer’s Workshop and are interested in business as a potential career.
GRIT LIT: STORY OF RESILIENCE
In recent years, it has become increasing clear that resilience is among the most important qualities for young women and men to develop. We also know that literary study is one of the best ways to understand complex ideas, cultivate empathy, and to nurture personal traits. In Grit Lit: Stories of Resilience students explore literary and historical accounts of determination, perseverance, and resolve.
COMEDY SKETCHES FROM PEN TO PERFORMANCE
In this playwriting course, students are placed with a writing teacher in order to read and study the works of comedy sketch writers, then compose their own pieces, both individually and in collaboration. Next, students work with a stage performance teacher on producing and performing their plays for the Eagle Hill School community.
HISTORY
FROM ROME TO ROCK
The course From Rome to Rock is designed for students to study the connections between historical events, literature and music. Students will analyze these connections in depth by studying composers, authors, and historical events of major periods between the fall of the Roman Empire to the end of the Second World War. Permission of the instructor is required.
SURVEY OF SOUTHEAST ASIA
In advance of EHS’s April 2015 trip, this class will investigate the history, culture, and geography of Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand.
The course From Rome to Rock is designed for students to study the connections between historical events, literature and music. Students will analyze these connections in depth by studying composers, authors, and historical events of major periods between the fall of the Roman Empire to the end of the Second World War. Permission of the instructor is required.
SURVEY OF SOUTHEAST ASIA
In advance of EHS’s April 2015 trip, this class will investigate the history, culture, and geography of Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand.
THE WILD WEST
Learn about the cowboys, outlaws, and Native Americans who made the wild west legendary. The class will study the history of the settlement of the American West from early westward expansion through the late 19th century, as well as the impact on popular culture and the image of America at home and abroad.
TERRORISM AND COUNTER-TERRORISM
The goal of the Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism class is to raise awareness about the topic of terrorism and its ever-increasing complexity. The definition of terrorism will be scrutinized in the course of the class, including consideration of the motives of terrorists and the work of counter-terrorism. Several terrorist events will be studied in the process. Students will have access to recent and contemporary research materials from international centers on the scholarship of terrorism and counter-terrorism.
WORLD EXPERT
In this course, students identify a limited American historical topic (such as a person, a document, a treaty, a battle, an invention, a machine, etc.), research it, write an article about it, and publish the article—in print, on the Web, or both. The topic must hold some interest for the particular student, it must not have been studied in depth, it must have enough significance and inherent interest to warrant the publication of an article on it, and it must be of manageable size to treat thoroughly in an article. In the course of this project, each student will become the pre-eminent authority on his or her topic; s/he will also become conversant with some of the sources and techniques involved in specialized historical research, as well as with the requirements of historical writing and documentation. The resources of the American Antiquarian Society in Worcester—both its sources and its staff—will play an important part in the course. Students will travel to the AAS on several occasions and work with primary sources wherever possible. World Expert requires that students dig into some aspect of the past with thoroughness and perseverance, read a variety of 18th- or 19th-century documents as a key part of their research, and then write up their findings at considerable length and in minute detail. Students who enjoy activities such as these will flourish in the course.
LOST TOWNS OF THE QUABBIN
Four central Massachusetts towns--Dana, Enfield, Greenwich, and Prescott--and a number of smaller villages had to be totally eradicated when the Quabbin Reservoir was constructed in the 1930s to supply water to eastern Massachusetts cities and towns. This course explores why and how this happened, what the changes meant to the residents of the "lost towns," and what underlying issues are raised by the whole story. Students read essays and poems by displaced Swift River Valley residents, read and report on major books, watch two relevant videos, write their own responses (in several formats, including short plays) to the construction of the reservoir and the end of the valley, visit the reservoir and watershed area at two key points (the visitors center in Belchertown and the former town common of Dana), speak with former residents of the "lost towns," explore the Swift River Valley Historical Society in North New Salem, and compare and interpret maps and photos, among other activities.
WORLD LANGUAGES
RUSSIAN II
Russian II is designed for students who have completed Russian I. The course builds on the cultural knowledge and language acquired during the previous year and furthers their understanding of Russian. It will focus on thematic communication in Russian using conversational patterns by function (particular attention is paid to correct pronunciation), comprehension and presentation of the linguistic structures. Students will be exposed to the culture of Russia through videos, movies, music, reading, conversations, and research on cultural topics. Students will continue learning elements of Russian grammar, such as: personal endings of the verbs (conjugations), and noun/adjective agreement, cases of the nouns and adjectives. Students will read aloud from assigned texts, use targeted vocabulary in dialogues with their peers and the instructor, and complete a number of written activities.
GATEWAY TO THE HISPANIC WORLD
Gateway to the Hispanic World will provide the students the opportunity to discover the uniqueness and diversity of the Hispanic World. The students will be introduced to each of the official Spanish – speaking countries of the world. Regions covered will be Spain, Mexico and Central America, the Caribbean, and South America. Students will focus on geography, history, nature, art, sports, and contemporary trends of each region. The students will learn about these aspects of the Hispanic World through readings, videos, research, map studies, and crafts. Knowledge of the Spanish language is not required for this course. The course will be conducted in English.
MATH
INTRODUCTION TO PROBABILITY & STATISTICS
This course covers topics in both descriptive and inferential statistics. Topics include permutations, combinations, axiomatic probability and statistical inference. The course consists of displaying, analyzing, and interpreting various graphs with given data. Students will calculate measures of central tendency with group frequency distributions and learn about outliers. Calculating measures of dispersion (range, quartiles, interquartile range, standard deviation, and variance) for both samples and population will be taught. Students will also learn how to utilize the TI-83 calculator to display and understand data.
This course covers topics in both descriptive and inferential statistics. Topics include permutations, combinations, axiomatic probability and statistical inference. The course consists of displaying, analyzing, and interpreting various graphs with given data. Students will calculate measures of central tendency with group frequency distributions and learn about outliers. Calculating measures of dispersion (range, quartiles, interquartile range, standard deviation, and variance) for both samples and population will be taught. Students will also learn how to utilize the TI-83 calculator to display and understand data.
STATISTICS I
The main objective of Statistics I is to provide students with skills to deal with acquisition, analysis and representation of data in useful formats. Topics include characteristics of data, statistical concepts, and statistical charts. Microsoft Excel is used extensively to process data and represent data graphically.
STATISTICS II
The main objective of Statistics II is for students to develop the skills to draw inferences about the statistics of population based on statistical procedure. Topics include probability, normal distribution, sampling theory and estimate of confidence intervals. Microsoft Excel and TI 83/84 are used to process data and represent data graphically.
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From Academics: Course Planning for 2014-15
As you can gather from above, course planning for the fall will begin next week. Underclassmen will begin meeting with their advisors and will complete preliminary course registration over the next few weeks. We welcome and encourage parent participation in the process; please contact your academic advisor at your convenience and engage your children in discussion about their needs, interests, and the process. Advisors will share the draft of your child’s course plan with you over the next month or so, and you’ll have a chance to discuss and finalize the plan at the spring family weekend. In addition to the above courses, a full course catalog is available on the downloads channel when you log in to the EHS website. -Dr. Riendeau
From the School Psychology Office: Working Memory Training/Pilot
Recently the education and psychology fields have been focused on trying to increase understanding of specific types of learning and memory by studying ways to train students directly to hone these abilities. I’m sure you’ve heard commercials for many of these types of programs, suggesting that engaging in visual-memory, computer-based games can increase the ability to hold and manipulate information in “working memory.” Some feel that well-developed working memory is essential for many academic tasks and executive functioning. Next year we will be offering a two-term course utilizing the Cogmed Working Memory Training program. Similar to a physical workout that exercises the muscles, Cogmed is designed to “work out” the brain and thought to improve attention and concentration for students who struggle with working memory tasks. By engaging in timed working memory tasks, the student may increase his or her ability to retain information in working memory, which is believed to support executive functioning and academic performance.
There is very little published research about the effects of working memory training on academic performance. While we have questions about the claims made by Cogmed and similar neuroplasticity programs, we think it would be valuable to engage in our own research of this type of working memory training. We’re especially interested in designing and completing a study that will provide us with clear data for determining the effectiveness of the Cogmed intervention for individual students within the context of academic work and a school environment. Students enrolling in this course and who engage in the Cogmed training will be asked to take part in an original research study conducted by Eagle Hill School and under the supervision of Drs. Rebecca Miller, Rick Raymond, and Michael Riendeau.
While the developers of Cogmed claim that users engaging in the program should show increases on working memory measures, they do not claim that there will be a measurable increase in academic
performance. While some hypothesize that there may be a connection to certain academic skills, we cannot guarantee that there will be any changes in your child’s proficiency at the completion of the program. If you would like your child to engage in Cogmed training as a course during the school year please discuss it with your child’s advisor during the spring course selection process. Additional paperwork for inclusion in the study will be sent to you prior to the start of school in September. -Dr. Miller
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