The Brain, The Classroom, The Connection

A paradox makes decision-making difficult and innovation hesitant and the neuroscience of brain plasticity is full of paradoxes. At last summer's retreat, we explored whether or not we could teach creativity and how. It turns out that teaching creativity is a difficult topic because the same brain activity that develops mastery and memory (practice and repetition) is also one that develops rigidity and narrow-mindedness. Fortunately, practice combined with novelty and pleasure is considerably more effective than practice without it, and the novelty can, perhaps, protect from rigidity in thinking. In education, however, we have positioned exploration and repetition at opposite ends of an instructional spectrum as though one is the opposite of the other, when in fact novelty needs to be a part of repetition.

At Syfr, we advocate for cultural diversity, yet cultural wiring can cause students from different cultures to see the world very differently. We may think that this "seeing" the world is a rather benign characteristic of culture, but it is actually profound. It results in students understanding very different things from the same text or picture based on their culture. By the time we are adults, the cultural wiring becomes hardened and more difficult to change. This has ramifications for parents of our children and for change strategies for our staff.

In assessment we have developed rather sophisticated diagnostic testing and test preparation programs, yet we know that certain kinds of test preparation have only temporary results. We also know that addressing skill weaknesses identified by a diagnostic test is not always the best approach. When a student takes a test, multiple parts of the brain are used to answer a question. One part of the brain involved may be obvious and directly linked to the test, but the other parts involved may not be obvious at all and if it is those parts of the brain that need help, we know that a different diagnostic instrument and treatment is necessary.

Please click on the links below for information about:

• Registration packet
• Location
• Agenda & schedule
• Evening programs
• How to register
• All-inclusive fee
• Travel & transportation
• Payment instructions
• Cancellation & refund policy
• Questions & contact information

Registration Packet:

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Each person who registers will receive a registration packet containing the following:

• Travel & Transportation information
• What to pack, where to go, etc
• Hotel Information
• Hyatt Lost Pines Brochure
• Agenda
• Pre-conference reading, listening and viewing, including;

Train the Mind, Change the Brain, by Sharon Begley
Brain and Culture, by Bruce Wexler

Location:
 

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The Hyatt Lost Pines:

This expansive, 405-acre Texas hotel resort is located in the midst of rugged wilderness, where jeans and business suits intermingle with ease. Retreat to the secluded setting of this ranch-style Austin hotel – just minutes from the airport, downtown, and historic Bastrop.

Temperature & Climate: At the time of our retreat, the average temperature in Austin is in the mid-80s.

Attire: Attire is “resort casual” during day-time sessions and evening programs, so please bring comfortable clothes and leave your suits at home. Some of our evening programs will be outdoors, so be sure to bring something warm for after the sun goes down.

Cultural inquiry & evening programs:
 

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We will spend time in a "cultural inquiry" designed to help us better understand cultural conflict, isolation and integration by exploring how these themes are treated in the arts. Music sessions will be part of evening programs, and all others will take place during the day. Your guest is welcome at all programs.

How to register:
 

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Click here to complete the online registration form or print a faxable version.

All-inclusive fee:
 

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The $1,975 fee is all-inclusive and covers registration for one person, three-nights lodging, meals*, as well as books and retreat materials. 

Extra Nights:
We welcome you to stay extra nights at our discounted room rate. The reduced rate is offered several days before and after the retreat, depending on availability. Please reserve extra nights directly with the hotel by calling 512.308.1234. We hope you can extend your stay to enjoy the resort and surrounding areas. Please note that extra nights are not included in our room block and are subject to availability.

Guest Fee:
We encourage you to bring your family and/or a guest. The guest fee is $450 to cover meal costs. Your guest is invited to attend any seminar sessions they choose at no additional charge.

Travel & transportation:
 

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Airport: The resort is just 20 miles (30 minutes) east of Austin Bergstrom International Airport.

Arrival Time – Sunday, July 19th: Please plan to arrive at the resort by 4:00 pm to allow plenty of time to get settled and relax. We ask that you plan your flights accordingly to accommodate for the drive from the Austin airport. The welcome reception and dinner program begin at 6:00 p.m.

Departure Time – Wedenesday, July 22^nd: Please allow plenty of time between the end of the retreat and your flight departure time. Plan to leave the hotel no sooner than 12:30 pm on Wednesday, July 22^nd. This means that your departing flight should leave no earlier than 4:00 pm. Please book your flight accordingly.

Rental Cars: You will not need a car to get around the resort property and all retreat functions are at the resort or transportation is provided. A rental car is recommended if you plan to tour the surrounding area before or after the retreat.

Airport Shuttle: Separate airport transportation can be arranged directly through the hotel concierge at 512.308.1234. Please note that the hotel does not have a dedicated airport shuttle.

Travel Directions: Click here for travel directions.

Payment instructions:
 

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• Payment or purchase orders for registrations without early registration discounts must be recieved by June 18, 2009.

For questions about payment please call (360) 694-8071, Ext 3.

We accept checks, PO and credit card payments (Visa and MasterCard only; credit card payments are done via phone, not online). Please include your name on the check and/or a copy of your invoice with payment. If your district requires that Syfr is an approved vendor, please contact us at (360) 694-8071, Ext 3. and we will complete the appropriate paperwork so that we are added to your approved vendor list.

Cancellation & refund policy:
 

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Questions & contact information:
 

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Please email cbrizek@syfrcorp.com or call (360) 694-8071, Ext 3.