Are We Lazy in Our Approach to Educating Boys?
They Have Fundamentally Different Learning Patterns, Says Pioneering Expert; Uncovers Secrets & Offers Tips

The problem of boys in education is not a new one - data has been mounting for many years that our sons are simply falling behind our daughters, says pioneering veteran in education, Edmond J. Dixon, Ph.D. But it's not because boys are any less intelligent than girls, he adds.

A recent study from researchers at the University of Georgia, which followed 10,000 students as they moved from kindergarten to eighth grade, indicates that though boys scored well on tests, indicating mastery of material, girls got better grades. Researchers account for higher scores in girls because they comported themselves better than boys while in the classroom.

"I think that, by now, most academics have accepted that boys and girls have fundamentally different learning needs; girls are better at sitting still and listening, whereas boys learn better via kinesthetic learning, which involves more physical activity," says Dixon, who has more than three decades experience as a teacher and is a parent of boys, and is the author of "Helping Boys Learn: Six Secrets for Your Son's Success in School," (www.HelpingBoysLearn.com). He also has a teacher's edition titled "Helping Boys Learn: Six Secrets for Teaching Boys in the Classroom."

"There are many other studies, however, showing boys underperforming in school; now, it's a matter of what we're going to do about it."

Dixon, a cognitive-kinesthetics specialist, discusses why his first three "secrets" are so important in helping boys with active minds and bodies.

· Movement matters: Nearly ever time, the student who disrupts class because they cannot sit still is a boy. Research reveals that young boys' brains develop a tremendous amount of neural wiring to facilitate movement and sensitivity for how things "fit" together. When a boy is a toddler, we would never think that a sedentary child is a good indicator of health, so what makes us think that he should change while in grade school? One tip: Allow a boy to use his "movement wiring" by allowing him to use his body as he learns to represent the topic.

· Games work: Their testosterone makes males are naturally competitive. If you want them to become suddenly engaged in something, make a game out of the lesson?it's just like flipping a switch on. Just look at sports talk shows with analysis such as "Pardon the Interruption;" each expert has a clock clicking down to make his point. Little gaming tricks like this works on the male brain. Tip: create clear rules - they help boys understand victory, and they add legitimacy to the lesson. Games also serve as an excellent method for male bonding, too.

· Make them laugh: Observe a group of males; whether young our old, they bust each other's chops. Not only is it okay, they enjoy it! Everyone has a positive chemical reaction with laughter; boys, however, often use humor as a form of communication, an asset with which most girls do not have a problem. Research has demonstrated that boys' emotions are processed initially in the more primitive parts of the brain and come more indirectly to the speech centers. That's why making a crude joke is easier for males to communicate sensitive feelings. Tip: Before starting homework or an assignment, ask a boy to consider what might be funny, weird or strange about it; his mind will be more focused on the topic afterwards.

"This is just the tip of the iceberg; if parents and teachers are serious about getting their boys off to a better start in life, I encourage active participation and education," Dixon says.

About Dr. Edmond J. Dixon

A pioneer in the field of cognitive-kinesthetics for learning, Edmond J. Dixon, Ph.D., is a human development specialist with more than 30 years of experience as a teacher, administrator, writer, researcher - and parent of boys. He is the founder of the KEEN Differentiated Learning Group, an organization dedicated to helping struggling learners, and the creator of KEEN 5X, a series of strategies for classroom engagement and learning that were have been used with more than 50,000 students and teachers. His previous books, "KEEN For Learning" and "Literacy Through Drama," have been used by educators to improve classroom learning. A dynamic and popular presenter, he has spoken throughout North America on education and human development topics. 

Sherman colonel retiring after 32 years of service; Story by U.S. Army Capt. Randy Dill, 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

SPRINGFIELD, IL (03/12/2014)(readMedia)-- Col. Thomas J. Weiss, of Sherman, Ill., is moving to his next chapter of leadership after serving 32 years in the Illinois Army National Guard. Some people may think after more than three decades in the military Weiss would retire, but he is continuing his service in a different form.

"I am going back to teaching, maybe JROTC (Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps) and working my way up the ladder to be a principal," said Weiss.

Less than three weeks after leaving his full-time job with the Illinois National Guard, Weiss accepted a job teaching chemistry at Manual High School in Peoria, Ill. He is also working toward a degree in school administration from the University of Illinois.

Weiss' career in the Army is marked by multiple roles, goals and numerous achievements. Weiss enlisted in the Illinois Army National Guard in 1982 as a combat medic. He completed the Illinois Army National Guard's Officer Candidate School and commissioned as an infantry officer June 9, 1985. He also completed Army Ranger school in 1987 after being told it was impossible for a National Guard officer to complete one of the Army's toughest competitive training programs.

"[Weiss is] one of the hardest working staff officers in the Illinois Army National Guard," said Col. Michael Haerr of Eurkea, Ill., the director of logistics for the Illinois Army National Guard. "He was working to support junior leaders and Soldiers with the training opportunities they needed to be successful in support of our state and nation's defense. He never forgot who he worked for."

Weiss graduated from the University of Illinois with a bachelor's degree in chemistry and a master's degree in business administration. In addition, he earned a master's degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College. Weiss also gained his credentials as a certified high school teacher, a private pilot and a certified scuba diver.

"Colonel Weiss always wore many hats," said Brig. Gen. Johnny R. Miller of Tamms, Ill., Assistant Adjutant General - Army, Illinois National Guard. "He has been a go-to guy we can rely on to perform and deliver countless times in many different functions."

Prior to his military retirement, Weiss served concurrently as the commander of the 129th Regiment, Regional Training Institute at Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Ill., and as the deputy chief of staff for operations for the Illinois Army National Guard.

Within three years of holding these two roles, the Illinois Officer Candidate School program became one of the largest in the nation, while the individual Soldier qualification rate for Illinois rose from the 50th percentile to the 98th in the nation.

Weiss said one of his proudest accomplishments outside the Army was working with Sherman-Williamsville schools to establish the first youth wrestling program in the district. By working with the school superintendent, principal and school board he developed a co-op with Riverton providing the opportunity for the high school to also have a wrestling program.

Weiss compared his passion for wrestling with that of being a Soldier. His wife, Christie Weiss, went a little further to describe his drive.

"Tom is one of the most driven people I know," said Christie. "If he is passionate about something he will make it a success. This drive is who he is. Anything he touches and puts his mind to becomes a success."

Weiss and his wife have six children, two daughters and four sons. Despite his active military life, he made time to coach each of his children, while also getting involved with his sons' Cub Scout and Boy Scout programs.

When asked what advice he gives to the Army's future leaders going through officer training, the message is simple: "Don't quit."

Weiss recalls telling officer candidates the Army is counting on them to make it through training and become a future leader in the Illinois Army National Guard. He told candidates to stick it out and the training would change them forever.

Weiss' children echo the same mantra when asked what advice their father gave them while growing up.

"Throughout my life, my dad has shared words of advice and encouragement to help me through tough times," said Sara VanDerWal of Springfield, Ill., Weiss' second daughter. "These include : 'Weiss' don't quit,' 'you can't live your life in fear,' 'sprint to the finish,' and many more."

Just as he offered words of support and encouragement to his own family, he is quick to attribute his career in the Army to the mentors he had along the way.

"I love being a Soldier. It is easy to work hard at something you love to do," said Weiss. "I was very fortunate to have several mentors who provided me guidance and direction throughout my career."

His mentors are equally quick to compliment Weiss and recognize his hard work.

"Colonel Weiss is a consummate professional," said Miller. "He has done everything the Army has asked of him and then some. [He is] one of the best operations officers I've ever seen."

His eldest son, Jacob, is a cadet at the United States Military Academy at West Point and adheres to a lesson his dad taught him at a young age.

"Groups are like strings. You can't get them to do anything by pushing from the back. They just get bunched up. You have to pull from the front and be a leader to get things to happen," Jacob said. "When something needs to get done, I revert back to this piece of knowledge."

Weiss' retirement ceremony is March 22. He said he hopes his 32 years of service will leave a lasting impression on the organization.

"You can learn something from every leader," Weiss said to his son. "They all have lessons to give, but you still have to execute and get the job done."

ROCK ISLAND, IL (03/11/2014)(readMedia)-- In today's competitive job market, college students recognize the value of high-impact learning experiences, like internships, study abroad and research.

From your area:

Sarah Althaus from Moline, Ill., a senior majoring in political science, took advantage of an opportunity to study abroad in East Asia.

Hiba Ansari from Clinton, Iowa, a senior majoring in business administration-international business, took advantage of an opportunity to study abroad in East Asia.

Jaime Balderas from Rock Falls, Ill., a senior majoring in psychology, took advantage of an opportunity to study abroad in East Asia.

Michael Hoover from Bettendorf, Iowa, a sophomore majoring in Augie Ages undecided, took advantage of an opportunity to study abroad in East Asia.

Jakob Leathers from Tampico, Ill., a senior majoring in classics, took advantage of an opportunity to do an internship at the Mississippi Valley Blood Center.

Amanda Smet from Moline, Ill., a senior majoring in sociology-social welfare, took advantage of an opportunity to do an internship at World Relief.

Samantha Tonn from Moline, Ill., a senior majoring in religion, took advantage of an opportunity to study abroad in East Asia.

Anthony TouVelle from Bettendorf, Iowa, a junior majoring in German, took advantage of an opportunity to study abroad in East Asia.

Shelby Womack from Davenport, Iowa, a senior majoring in biology, took advantage of an opportunity to do an internship at UnityPoint Health - Trinity.

Ashley DeVolder from Moline, Ill., a senior majoring in accounting, took advantage of an opportunity to do an internship in Australia.

Haley Fox from Davenport, Iowa, a junior majoring in business administration-management, took advantage of an opportunity to do an internship in Australia.

Catherine Margenthaler from Moline, Ill., a senior majoring in communication sciences and disorders, took advantage of an opportunity to do an internship in Australia.

Robert Holmquist from East Moline, Ill., a sophomore majoring in physics, took advantage of an opportunity to study abroad in Japan.

Ingrid Schneider from Davenport, Iowa, a senior majoring in music general, took advantage of an opportunity to study abroad in Japan.

Steven Trent from Eldridge, Iowa, a senior majoring in geology, took advantage of an opportunity to conduct research in geology in Hawaii.

Jessica Bacon from Rock Island, Ill., a junior majoring in elementary education, took advantage of an opportunity to study abroad in Guatemala.

Breann Nelson from Moline, Ill., a senior majoring in psychology, took advantage of an opportunity to study abroad in Guatemala.

Amanda Wood from Moline, Ill., a senior majoring in psychology, took advantage of an opportunity to do an internship at Hand and Hand.

Jaime Rehmert from Sterling, Ill., a senior majoring in communication sciences and disorders, took advantage of an opportunity to study abroad in Dominican Republic.

Christine Wiersema from Morrison, Ill., a junior majoring in multimedia journalism and mass communication, took advantage of an opportunity to study abroad in Dominican Republic.

"These experiences broaden the horizons of our students. As they prepare to graduate, opportunities like these make Augustana students even more attractive candidates for graduate school and career opportunities," explains W. Kent Barnds, executive vice president of Augustana College, in Rock Island, Ill.

Barnds notes that Augustana is helping more students take advantage of these "powerful, real-world learning experiences" thanks to Augie Choice.

Focused on advancing student learning in the liberal arts, Augie Choice provides students a one-time grant of $2,000 to offset the expenses of an internship, study abroad or research project.

Augie Choice was launched in 2009. To date, the program has helped 1,588 Augustana students through the distribution of $3,176,000. The program is a visible symbol of the college's commitment to preparing students to stand out.

Founded in 1860, Augustana College is a selective four-year residential college of the liberal arts and sciences. The college is recognized for the innovative program Augie Choice, which provides each student up to $2,000 to pursue a high-impact learning experience such as study abroad, an internship or research with a professor. Current students and alumni include 149 Academic All-Americans, a Nobel laureate, 13 college presidents and other distinguished leaders. The college enrolls 2,500 students and is located along one of the world's most important waterways, the Mississippi River, in a community that reflects the diversity of the United States.

EAST PEORIA, IL (03/11/2014)(readMedia)-- Shawn M Bainter, of East Moline, IL, graduated from Illinois Central College, East Peoria, with a/an Associate in Science Degree. More than 800 students met the graduation requirements for the Fall 2013 semester.

Started in 1967, ICC is a comprehensive public community college that provides transfer programs for students who intend to pursue a bachelor's degree at a four-year college or university as well as career programs for students who plan to gain skills and knowledge to enter a career.