About Us: The theory behind what we do
Background
Personalized Learning
Background
Dr June Starkey began teaching in 1987, and she spent 17 years teaching in the public system in Ontario. She soon realized that the best way to ensure learning was to use teaching methods and strategies that have been proven effective through empirically-validated findings. Dr June founded her learning clinic in 2006 based on this data-dr
Dr June Starkey began teaching in 1987, and she spent 17 years teaching in the public system in Ontario. She soon realized that the best way to ensure learning was to use teaching methods and strategies that have been proven effective through empirically-validated findings. Dr June founded her learning clinic in 2006 based on this data-driven approach. Great Brain Learning is the only bilingual and evidence-based teaching practice in Ontario.
Expertise
Personalized Learning
Background
Dr June's doctoral research in descriptive feedback, assessment, and motivation theory fuelled her development as a teacher of learning and this research has led to new understandings about learning and achievement. We primarily focus on Language Arts (literacy) and Math (numeracy), but literacy and numeracy skills have implications for a
Dr June's doctoral research in descriptive feedback, assessment, and motivation theory fuelled her development as a teacher of learning and this research has led to new understandings about learning and achievement. We primarily focus on Language Arts (literacy) and Math (numeracy), but literacy and numeracy skills have implications for all subjects - sciences, history, geography, and have direct applications to math and critical thinking.
Personalized Learning
Personalized Learning
Personalized Learning
On a daily basis Dr June re-connects each learner with their capacity to learn by teaching awareness - of their learning process and their successful results. She uses evidence-based practices to show students that they can learn. For learners who may have experienced little success in formal learning environments, this experience is oft
On a daily basis Dr June re-connects each learner with their capacity to learn by teaching awareness - of their learning process and their successful results. She uses evidence-based practices to show students that they can learn. For learners who may have experienced little success in formal learning environments, this experience is often a profound paradigm shift. This metacognitive approach fundamentally and permanently changes the learning trajectories for learners of all ages.
How we change learning trajectories
Dr June says: "Evidence-based practice allows students to reach their potential. Every. Single. Time."
At Great Brain Learning we collect meaningful data with the learner, then we design a plan to get where we need to go - whether that's about literacy, numeracy, confidence - or all of the above.
Assessment for Learning: The game-changer
Dr June's research about feedback for learning shows that when students are given coherent, descriptive feedback and opportunities to understand how to use feedback - they are able to improve their work. Students who struggle can indeed bridge the gaps, make progress and achieve phenomenal success in top-rated post-secondary educational programs of all kinds across Ontario, Canada, the US and Europe.
Metacognition: What is it and why is it important?
Simply put, metacognition is intentional thinking about our own thinking and learning. At Great Brain Learning we understand the importance of student-teacher interaction in developing metacognitive learning skills that enhance and propel student success. Metacognition matters because when learners see evidence that they can learn, anything and everything is possible in terms of achievement.
Our motto
Leave no stone unturned in the quest to understand a learner's strengths, needs and next steps, to create and realize life-long goals and dreams for a bright and productive future.
Our Mission
We are passionate about learning and early intervention.
We are committed to building partnerships with parents to nurture diverse learners and to create spaces where families can learn together and grow strong. More than ever we are reminded of our vision to promote excellence in learning for all. This is a time for leadership, and we hear a strong and fervent call to action. As a leader in learning, we continue to listen and learn, knowing that inequalities in our society must be addressed so that ALL children can participate and learn.