frequently asked questions
Customization
Can you tailor workshops to our school’s specific challenges and interests?
Absolutely! Andrew always talks with school leaders to ensure that workshops align with the specific needs of the school, students, and faculty.
Do you adapt content for different grade levels, e.g.: elementary vs. high school?
A cognitive science perspective on learning applies to all grades and topics. Teachers will no doubt apply strategies differently from grade to grade and subject to subject, but the underlying research-based principles remain the same.
Workshops, of course, include examples of applying these principles across many disciplines and age groups.
Do you offer follow-up sessions or ongoing support?
Andrew frequently works with schools across many sessions — even many years. He is available by email for ongoing conversation, and regularly consults with school and academic leaders.
Can you work with both teachers and support staff?
Yes. Academic support specialists, school psychologists, speech-language pathologists, and classroom paraprofessionals regularly attend Andrew’s workshops.
Logistics & Planning
How far in advance should we book Andrew for our school?
August, early January, early June, and mid-July typically book up months in advance. Other times of year offer more flexibility, but at least six weeks’ to two months’ notice is beneficial.
What are your fees for different workshop formats?
Fees depend on a number of variables: in-person vs. online; half-day vs. full-day; travel; and so forth.
Overall, our fees are in line with industry standards.
What's the ideal group size for maximum effectiveness?
Andrew can work with almost any number of people. He has keynoted at conferences for over 1000 people; he does individual coaching.
Typically, the effectiveness of the talk depends on its duration — more time means more opportunity for participants think and to practice!
Do you provide materials/handouts, or do we need to prepare anything?
Andrew always offers a handout that captures key points from the workshop. And, he’s always available for follow-up questions and conversation.
Practical Questions
What technology or room setup do you need?
Technology: Andrew’s workshops are very visual, and benefit from a large screen. His talks typically include brief videos, so a sound sytem will be important. Large rooms and/or a high number of participants will make a microphone helpful.
Room setup: teachers often benefit from sitting at tables and talking with one another. Other room setups can work as well.
How do you handle teachers who are skeptical about "brain research"?
First: Andrew likes skepticism — he even wrote a book about skeptical evaluation of “brain-based” education claims!
Second: Research can’t tell teachers what to do; instead, it invites teachers to think differently about what they do. Because Andrew’s workshops focus this invitation, teachers typically feel welcomed and empowered, not belittled. In brief, the problem doesn’t arise very often.
Will teachers need to change their entire teaching approach?
As teachers incorporate a cognitive science perspective into their teaching, they will — most likely — update their classroom practices with increasing frequency and effectiveness. This process can happen individually, at a teacher’s own pace. Whether these changes affect “their entire approach to teaching” will depend on the teacher’s current teaching practices, and their appetite for self-development.