NLS meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month (except national holidays) from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Intercultural Communications College, 1601 Kapiolani Blvd Suite 1000 (10th floor), Honolulu, HI 96814 USA (Diamond Head and Ocean side corner of Kapiolani Blvd and Keheka Street).
2007 Meetings and Presentations
1. January 8, 2006 - Neurobiology of Learning Update with Dr. Daniel S. Janik MD PhD, Director of American University and Academic English Programs, Intercultural Communications College, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA; Adjunct Professor of English, Upper Iowa University, Fayette, Iowa; Adjunct Professor of Writing, Hawaii Pacific Univerisity, Honolulu, HI; and Adjunct Professor of Psychology, Argosy University Honolulu, Hawaii. Author of A Neurobiological Theory and Method of Language Acquisition (Lincom Europa, 2004); Unlock the Genius Within: Neurobiological Trauma, Teaching and Transformational Learning (Rowman and Littlefield, 2005) and How to Choose the BEST English Language School in the USA (AuthorHouse, 2006). An intensive review and update of the neuroanatomy and electrobiochemistry of effective learning for anyone interested in how learning really occurs. Really!
2. February 5 - Cognitive Neurosciences Discoveries - Educational Policies and Practices of the Future: Awareness of Mirror Neurons and Implications to Learning with Robert Sylwester, Professor of Education (Emeritus) University of Oregon and author of numerous neurobiological education texts including A Celebration of Neurons, How to Explain a Brain, and his newest, soon-to-be-released book, The Adolescent Brain - Reaching for Autonomy . Mirror neurons that activate when our brain both primes and observes behavior will provide an important neurobiological base for 21st century theories of teaching and learning. The mirror neuron system has already been connected to the mimicking behavior of infants, the onset of speech, the causes of autism, and the emergence of empathy.. A 2007 NLS Distinguished Lecturer Series Presentation.
Dr. Sylwester also spoke on 5 February 2007 at Argosy University Hawaii (Hawaii Room) on "Movement as the Central Concept in Cognition and Curriculum" and before University of Hawaii Manoa College of Education on "A Praiseworthy Brain in Search of a Brainworthy School If you would like arrange for an NLS speaker to speak at your institution, email drjanik@gmail.com.
3. March 5 - SelfDesign - Principles of Enthusiasm-Based Learning - A Systems Theory Approach with Mr. Brent Cameron M.A. (PhD) and Ms. Barbara Meyer M.A., authors of SelfDesign (Sentient, 2006). Children learning their first language accomplish the most challenging learning task of a lifetime, yet do so through curiosity, discovery and a deep enthusiasm to engage and understand how the world works. This kind of learning is the inspiration for SelfDesign, a 24-year experiment in transformative learning involving elementary and high school children. A 2007 NLS Distinguished Lecturer Series Presentation.
Cameron and Meyer also spoke on 5 March 2007 at Hawaii Pacific University on "A Neurobiologically-based, Transformative Learning Paradigm for the 21st Century" on Tuesday 6 March 2007 on "Effective Alternatives to Will Imposition in Directed Learning Environments" at Argosy University Hawaii. If you would like to arrange for an NLS speaker to speak at your institution, email drjanik@gmail.com.
4. April 2 - An Afternoon Potpourri of Neurobiological Learning with the combined graduate students of Argosy University Hawaii's PS 7050 "Physiological Psychology" course. A number of short, tantalizing presentations on various aspects of neurobiological learning developed as course capstone projects. Topics and speakers:
5. April 30 - TOEFL by Internet with Hisako Saito MA TESOL, Instructor, Intercultural Communications College, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA. Did you know that ICC hosted TOEFL by internet from roughly 1999 through 2004? About a hundred students experienced TOEFL study by internet during this time - come and discuss what was learned from this inovative distance learning system that was so far ahead of its time!
6. May 29 - Administrative Meeting - IMPORTANT NOTICE: by acclamation, (1) the meeting dates are changed to the first Wednesday of each month from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. (same location) beginning 1 August 2007; and (2) there will be no meeting in July, 2007.
7. June 25 - Teaching and The Transformative Learning Classroom with Dr. Daniel S. Janik MD PhD, Director of American University and Academic English Programs, Intercultural Communications College, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA; Adjunct Professor of English, Upper Iowa University, Fayette, Iowa; Adjunct Professor of Writing, Hawaii Pacific Univerisity, Honolulu, HI; and Adjunct Professor of Psychology, Argosy University Honolulu, Hawaii. Author of A Neurobiological Theory and Method of Language Acquisition (Lincom Europa, 2004); Unlock the Genius Within: Neurobiological Trauma, Teaching and Transformational Learning (Rowman and Littlefield, 2005) and How to Choose the BEST English Language School in the USA (AuthorHouse, 2006). Enjoy a peek at Dr. Janik's hotly-anticipated third book in the neurobiological/transformative learning series.
9. August 1 - Micronesian Project and International Scholar Exchange Project Update by Daniel S. Janik, NLS President and staff. Enjoy a video trip to the University of Helsinki and hear about NLS's proposed involvement in both Micronesian and International Scholar Exchange Projects, as well as a call for 2007-8 grant proposals.
10. September 5 - Neurophysiology from a Neurobiological Point-of-View with Dr. Daniel S. Janik MD PhD, Director of American University and Academic English Programs, Intercultural Communications College, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA; Adjunct Professor of English (Upper Iowa University, Fayette, Iowa); Adjunct Professor of Writing (Hawaii Pacific Univerisity, Honolulu, HI); and Adjunct Professor of Education and Psychology (Argosy University Honolulu, Hawaii). Author of A Neurobiological Theory and Method of Language Acquisition (Lincom Europa, 2004); Unlock the Genius Within: Neurobiological Trauma, Teaching and Transformational Learning (Rowman and Littlefield, 2005) and How to Choose the BEST English Language School in the USA (AuthorHouse, 2006). Neurophysiology, neurobiology, neuroscience - what's the difference? Is there a difference or is it all just semantics? Join us for an opinionated talk and spirited discussion.
11. October 3 - A Neurobiology of Sensation with Dr. Daniel S. Janik MD PhD, Director of American University and Academic English Programs, Intercultural Communications College, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA; Adjunct Professor of English (Upper Iowa University, Fayette, Iowa); Adjunct Professor of Writing (Hawaii Pacific Univerisity, Honolulu, HI); and Adjunct Professor of Education and Psychology (Argosy University Honolulu, Hawaii). Author of A Neurobiological Theory and Method of Language Acquisition (Lincom Europa, 2004); Unlock the Genius Within: Neurobiological Trauma, Teaching and Transformational Learning (Rowman and Littlefield, 2005) and How to Choose the BEST English Language School in the USA (AuthorHouse, 2006). The neurosenses - all five (yawn) - nothing new there. Nothing new, that is, until examined from a neurobiological perspective. How many senses must there be to support neurobiologically-based learning? Come here an intriguing argument for the existence of a minimum of SEVEN!.
14. November 7 - 2007 Journal Club. Email the society with the name of a favorite article to summarize on some aspect of neurobiology or just come and enjoy the foray. Articles to be reviewed and discussed:
"Stress and Hippocampal Abnormalities" - presenter's name withheld by request
"The Neurobiology of Delusion" - presenter's name withheld by request
"Food, the Brain and Energy Regulation" - presenter's name withheld by request
"The Neurobiology of Loss and Bereavement" - presenter's name withheld by request
15. December 5 - Another Afternoon Potpourri of Neurobiological Learning. A number of short, tantalizing presentations on various aspects of neurobiolgical neurophysiology.
16. January 2 - Critical Learning Periods with Dr. Daniel S. Janik MD PhD, Director of American University and Academic English Programs, Intercultural Communications College, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA; Adjunct Professor of English (Upper Iowa University, Fayette, Iowa); Adjunct Professor of Writing (Hawaii Pacific Univerisity, Honolulu, HI); and Adjunct Professor of Education and Psychology (Argosy University Honolulu, Hawaii). Author of A Neurobiological Theory and Method of Language Acquisition (Lincom Europa, 2004); Unlock the Genius Within: Neurobiological Trauma, Teaching and Transformational Learning (Rowman and Littlefield, 2005) and How to Choose the BEST English Language School in the USA (AuthorHouse, 2006). Everyone talks about critical learning periods, especially with regard to language. View original footage of the major natural experiments that support Lenneberg's hypothesis and explore their implications in modern education.
----------------------
Each year, NLS recognizes and honors the best books, articles and enduring public education media submitted to the society on neurobiologically-based learning, by awarding and publicizing both Choice and Top Choices from entrants.
NLS is pleased to announce the selection of four books and three papers for 2007 that have been designated "NLS Choices." In alphabetical order by author's last name:
Books
1. Cameron, Brent and Barbara Meyer. Nurturing Genius Through Natural Learning: SelfDesign. Sentient Publications, 2006. ISBN 1592810442. Softcover book. 230 pp. Illustrated. 100 References.
2. Janik, Daniel. A Neurobiological Theory and Method of Language Acquisition. Lincom Europa, Munich. ISBN 3895867632. Softcover. 279 pages. Illustrated. 230 References. Indexed. Includes an e-Book version available from Blish.com.
3. Janik, Daniel. Unlock the Genius Within: Neurobiological Trauma, Teaching and Transformative Learning. Rowman & Littlefield Education, 2005. ISBN 1578862914. Softcover. 208 pp. 35 References. Indexed. 2007 Eric Hoffer Award.
4. Rousell, Michael A. Sudden Influence: How Spontaneous Events Shape Our Lives. Pending publication by Praeger in 2007/8.
Articles
5. Janik, Bills, Saito and Widjaja. "Neurobiological and Transformational Learning." Transactions on Advanced Research 2005 Jul; 1 (2): 19.
6. Janik, Bills, Saito, Widjaja and Gleason. "Neurobiological, Transformational and Disquisitional Learning." Journal of the American Association of Integrative Medicine 2005 Jul: no page.
Enduring Public Education Media - There were no NLS Choice Awards presented for 2007
NLS is pleased to announce the selection of its TOP CHOICE of books, articles and enduring public education works for 2007 honoring:
NLS Reviewers' Comments: "A remarkable breakthrough in the area of neurobiologically-underpinned educational psychology, this work provides incisive insights into the definition, management and effective delivery of transformative, wholistic learning, specifically from K through 12. Replete with examples of humanistic, student-centered, psychologically-grounded action research, this book is a 'must read' for educators, administrators, parents and students alike."
NLS "2008 Choice and TOP CHOICE Awards Contest" (books, articles and enduring public education media addressing any aspect of neurobiologically-based learning, published or unpublished). 2008 submissions now being accepted up to the extended deadline on 31 December 2008.
NLS "Distinguished Lecturer Series" Library (Free to members - check out these DVD's of major NLS presentations at any NLS meeting):
NLS1 - "The Brain and Language" by Dr. Terrence Deacon, Professor of Anthropology and Linguistics, University of California Berkeley - Presented before the Neurobiological Learning Society on 31 May 2005. DVD - About 60 minutes. Purchase your own copy: Members $25 / Non-Members $45. Email "drjanik@gmail.com" and ask for DVD #NLS1.
NLS2 - "The Interactional Instinct: The Evolution and Acquisition of Language" by Dr. John Schumann, Professor of Applied Linguistics and Chair of the Teaching English as a Second Language, Applied Linguistics and Interdepartmental PhD Program at University of California Los Angeles - Presented before the Neurobiological Learning Society on 21 November 2005. DVD - About 60 minutes. Purchase your own copy: Members $25 / Non-Members $45. Email "drjanik@gmail.com" and ask for DVD #NLS2.
NLS3 - "Motivation in Transformative Learning" by Ms. T. Nagahashi, MAT (TESOL), Akita University Faculty of Education and Human Studies - Presented before the Neurobiological Learning Society on 9 January 2006. DVD - About 60 minutes. Purchase your own copy: Members $25 / Non-members $45. Email "drjanik@gmail.com" and ask for DVD #NLS3.
NLS4 - "Mirror Neurons" by Dr. Robert Sylwester, Professor of Education (Emeritus), University of Oregon - Presented before the Neurobiological Learning Society on 5 February 2007. DVD - About 60 minutes. Purchase your own copy: Members $25 / Non-members $45. Email "drjanik@gmail.com" and ask for DVD #NLS4..
NLS5 - "Enthusiasm-based Learning (SelfDesign)" by Brent Cameron with Barbara Meyers - Presented before the Neurobiological Learning society on 5 March 2007. DVD - About 60 minutes. Purchase your own copy: Members $25 / Non-members $45. Email "drjanik@gmail.com" and ask for DVD #NLS5.
NLS Amazon Direct Access Bookstore - recommended readings for interested neurobiologically-based educators available instantly from Amazon.com (see link below)
Society Information
Meetings are free to members and include (1) guaranteed, preferred seating, and (2) guaranteed seating at discussion and/or dinner with speaker after meeting (food and drinks at dinner discussions are at participants expense). Meetings are open to non-members at $5 per student* or $10 per non-student per meeting. Non-member seating is on a first come - first served basis as long as seating is available.
*Student means full-time participant in approved associate, baccalauriate, masters or doctoral degree program at the time of the meeting. Students must show an acitive and valid student identification card.
The Membership year is now from 1 January to 31 December.
Membership categories and dues:
Non-Profit Status - NLS is recognized by the IRS and State of Hawaii as a 509a2 public charity organization (EIN25-1920731). Your dues and contributions are tax deductable. Members are encouraged to write grants in association with NLS (NLS takes a fixed 10% in indirect costs to administer the grant).
Election of Officers is by membership present or proxied at the first meeting following 1 July. Elected officers act as Officers-in-Training from 1 July to the first meeting after 1 January when they are invested to serve for 1 year (Officers must be Professional, Life, Corporate, Sustaining or Patron members; Professional members are given free membership during actual vested service years).
We have opportunities for interested members to serve on a variety of committees - if interested, please send us an email with SUBJECT stating "COMMITTEE" and we will get back to you with a list of committees needing assistance (Committee membership is open to Professional, Student, Life, Corporate, Sustaining or Patron members).
NL Certificate, Diplomate and Fellow recognition - in progress.
2007-08 Acting Officers:
President - Dan Janik
Vice President - Maggie Bills
Secretary - Hisako Saito
Treasurer - Christina Widjaja
Current Board of Trustees:
Dr. Daniel Janik MD PhD
Physician-Educator (Psychology/Neurobiological and Transformational Learning/Linguistics)
Mr. Joel Weaver MA TESL
School Administrator-Educator (TESL)
Ms. Christina Widjaja MA Linguistics/TESL
Educator (TESL/Linguistics)
Ms. Betty Compton MA EFL
Administrator-Educator (Elementary Education/EFL)
Ms. Setsuko Tsuchiya LMT
Massage Therapist (Kinesthetic Learning)
Interesting Links:
Study English at the Best School in Hawaii! (http://www.icchawaii.edu)
Self-Design - Realizing the ideal in ourselves and the world (http://www.selfdesign.org)
It's Great Sports, Swedish and Trigger Point Massage (http://setsukokame.tripod.com/index.html)
------------------------
Site maintained by NLSociety - contact drjanik@gmail.com
Please report any linkage problems to the webmaster at drjanik@gmail.com