Child expert on Multiple Intelligences to speak at Superkids 2012

Fun and learning abound at Superkids 2012, a two-day interactive conference and exhibition on early childhood education slated on Sept. 14-15, at Function Room 3 of the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

Noted California education consultant and author Dr. Thomas Armstrong will speak on two topics: “The Exemplars of Best Schools” on Sept. 14, and ‘’The Power of Neurodiversity & Multiple Intelligences in the Classroom’’ on Sept. 15.

Armstrong is the award-winning author of 14 books, including “The Power of Neurodiversity: Unleashing the Advantages of Your Differently Wired Brain,’’ “The Human Odyssey: Navigating the Twelve Stages of Life,’’ and “The Best Schools: How Human Development Research Should Inform Educational Practice.’’ He has sold over one million copies of his books which have been translated into 26 languages. He has lectured in 18 countries over the span of his 35-year academic career and has had clients such as Sesame Street, the Republic of Singapore, and the European Council of International Schools.

Dr. Armstrong believes that too much focus on test scores, one of the characteristics of AAD, and not enough on developmentally-appropriate teaching methods can be detrimental to children.

In “The Exemplars of Best Schools,” (Sept. 14, 9 a.m.), he will speak on how schools are focused on an academic achievement discourse (AAD) and the discourse’s characteristics, history, and disadvantages. His talk will enhance the importance of the K-12 format that is being implemented by the DepEd this school year.

He will also highlight key developmental features of good schools at four levels of education: 1) early childhood education and the importance of play, 2) elementary school education and the need to teach kids how the world works, 3) middle schools and the necessity of emphasizing social, emotional, and meta-cognitive learning, and 4) high schools, and the need to prepare students for an independent life in the real world.

In “The Power of Neurodiversity & Multiple Intelligences in the Classroom” (Sept. 15, 8:45 a.m.), Dr. Armstrong will focus on neurodiversity, its meaning, and its applications in learning. Integrated with the multiple intelligences theory by Dr. Howard Gardner, it can provide educators with ideas on how to fully use each student’s strengths to maximize his learning potential.

He will also examine findings in evolutionary psychology, neuropsychology, anthropology, and other fields to show that what we regard as “disabilities” in our culture may have at other times and cultures been considered assets and advantages. He explores the strengths of students with dyslexia, ADHD, autism, intellectual disabilities and other brain differences, and shows how educators can provide positive niches within which these students can flourish.

Superkids 2012, in cooperation with Potencia, Inc. and Progress Preschool Gold by Wyeth, Philippines, is part of the Manila International Book Fair, the country’s largest and longest-running book fair. It is organized by Primetrade Asia, Inc. in partnership with the Book Development Association of the Philippines (BDAP), Asian Catholic Communicators, Inc. (ACCI), Overseas Publishers Representatives Association of the Philippines (OPRAP), and Philippine Booksellers Association, Inc. For more details call 897-0139 or 896-0682. You may also e-mail them at conference@primetradeasia.com.

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