Marcia Tate - Sit & Git Don't Grow Dendrites

Book Review: “Sit & Get” Don’t Grow Dendrites 

by Marcia L. Tate

Marcia Tate presents in “Sit & Get” Don’t Grow Dendrites 20 strategies that engage the adult brain – that is, strategies that ensure that learning is brain compatible.

She begins her book with a brief review of adult learning theory or andragogy:

•  Adults need to be involved in the development of any learning opportunity
•  Adults should be invited to access their unique experiences, beliefs, and knowledge
•  Adults need differentiation in learning    
•  Adults want collaborative and goal-specific learning
•  Adults need time to reflect after a learning opportunity

A particular strength of Dr. Tate’s book is that, for every strategy she identifies, she provides concrete examples of learning activities.

Me with Marcia Tate

For the first strategy, brainstorming and discussion, she recommends the use of the participant parking lot, whereby participants are invited to place their questions during a learning opportunity on a chart paper on the wall, so that answers can be provided later.  A favourite of mine is the appointment clock activity, which directs learners to book dates with other learners during a presentation in order to ensure discussion and movement. 

Dr. Tate also provides important cautions with the use of some strategies.  For instance, in the case of storytelling, she points out that stories will only have impact if they are personal, humorous, and/or emotive.  Then, with respect to visuals, there is Tate’s 10-20-30 Guideline for Powerpoint slides:  only 10 slides per presentation, no more than 20 minutes total, and at least 30-point type.

The links that are made between the strategies and brain-based research gives credence to them.  For example, Dr. Tate explains the effectiveness of the strategy of metaphors, analogy, and similes this way: “one of the brain’s primary jobs is to make meaning or to look for patterns and connections between what one already knows and new information that one is acquiring.”  Likewise for movement she notes “Anything learned while moving goes into one of the strongest memory systems in the brain – namely, procedural or muscle memory.”

“Sit & Get” Don’t Grow Dendrites is a practical and highly readable guide for effective teaching.