EducationNews.org

An Interview with James Rena:  About Cerebellum Teaching Systems

 

Michael F. Shaughnessy - May 28, 2009
Senior Columnist EducationNews.org
Eastern New Mexico University
Portales, New Mexico

 

1)    First of all, tell us a bit about yourself, your education and experience.

 

My education career began one afternoon when I was brainstorming business ideas with a fellow George Washington University alumnus. We were recent college graduates with about $15,000 in seed money and one great idea, to make a series of humorous educational videos to help students understand the basic concepts of a complex college course. Not knowing where the on button was to our video camera, we created “The Wild and Wacky World of Finance” video in a basement in Arlington, VA in 1993. With our first video in hand, a homemade display, and a rented van, we headed to our first convention in Orlando where we made our first 11 sales. Since then, Cerebellum has produced hundreds of hours of educational content, contracted with national chains such as Borders Books, Barnes & Noble, and Best Buy and, has received awards and recognition for our high-quality products and unique approach to learning.

  

2)    What exactly is a “ Cerebellum Teaching System”

 

A Teaching System combines an entertaining video program and a digital workbook to provide a complete lesson plan. Each subject is written to meet educational state standards and is clearly organized by individual lesson modules. Each module includes full classroom performance rights and is designed specifically to help teachers reach their curriculum goals in the classroom. These innovative programs are developed by Cerebellum’s academic team of collegiate professors, teachers, young actors and comedians and cover the subject matter in a fun, fast-paced, and engaging manner.

 

3)    I am a low tech guy in a high tech world. What exactly is a digital workbook?

 

Our exclusive digital workbook is a 20-30 page photocopy-ready PDF that is distributed on a CD-ROM for ease in classroom disbursement. Each module includes unique content with minute-by-minute lesson plans, multiple choice and essay style questions, answer keys, classroom activities, quizzes and assessment tool for teachers.

 

4)    What grade levels and subjects is this appropriate for?

 

Cerebellum’s Teaching Systems are developed for students of all grade levels. The current releases range from Elementary to High School grade levels. Specifically, our Fundamental Math and Arithmetic programs are based on third thru fifth grade National Council of Teachers of Mathematic standards. The SAT, Vocabulary, U.S. History and English Composition subjects are based on high school level curriculum, standards, and feedback from teachers and students.

 

5)    I used to teach American History. Tell me a bit about your video regarding American History.

 

Our U.S. History program is a unique and exciting series due to our thematic approach to the subject. Rather than reviewing history chronologically, this program provides an entertaining and thorough breakdown of the subject by examining 5 main topics; Presidential Leaders, Women’s Movements, Civil Reform, America at War, and Economic Developments. This thematic style develops a critical thinking approach to history, rather than just memorization of the facts. This program will highlight the most difficult concepts covered in a high school history class so students can achieve a high score on any history exam.

 

6)    What is this SAT preparation video like? Components? Parts?

 

The SAT Teaching System is a 3 module program that thoroughly prepares students for each section of the SAT test; Math, Critical Reading and Writing, and Vocabulary. With Cerebellum’s proven method for success, there’s no reason students need to sweat the SAT. The Critical Reading & Writing section teaches easy-to-follow strategies to ace the multiple choice section as well as how to write a clear, organized, and persuasive essay. The Vocabulary section defines over a hundred commonly used words on the test and illustrates Greek and Latin root words, prefixes and suffixes. Our Math modules provide strategies to answer those tricky questions and boost student’s confidence, from Geometry and Algebra I & II, to quadratic equations. Using a fun, interactive approach to learning, this program will teach you tips to avoid classic SAT traps, pointers for guessing correct answers, and how to get the most out of your time.

 

7)    Do any of these videos help with higher order thinking or critical thinking?

 

Along with Teaching Systems, Cerebellum is the creator of various high school and collegiate level subjects; topics range from Organic Chemistry to how to properly build a resume. These programs apply the subject matter to real-world situations, or what we call, applying critical thinking of the subject.

 

8)    What about writing? Do any of these encourage independent writing?

 

Yes. The Teaching Systems English Composition program is specifically written to develop student’s composition skills and help them evolve into confident writers with the ability to compose for a variety of purposes. Specifically, our Teaching Systems Free Writing module concentrates on the understanding of written English, focusing on maturing students’ writing style and reflective composition work. Along with our English Composition program, our essay-style questions in majority of the Teaching Systems programs challenges the students to thoroughly write about the subject at-hand.

 

9)    What question have I neglected to ask?

 

What is in store for the future of Cerebellum Corporation?

Cerebellum will be releasing an AP product line beginning November 2009. Through extensive research and overall popularity of the AP course, the following subjects will be released in November 2009; U.S. History, English Composition, Chemistry, and U.S. Government. These programs will help both, teachers and students, prepare for the college-level test. Each subject will include a video program, handouts, worksheets, practice tests, and strategies to help students achieve a high score on the AP exam.