This is a book about discovery. It is not a book about miracles, but it is a book about learning. Using neuroscientific research as the foundation, Finding the Way explains how metacognitive strategies and multi-sensory learning techniques can serve as the starting point for learning for all people but especially for individuals with a learning disability or suffering from traumatic brain injuries. The discovery of brain plasticity and the complex integration of sensation and memory across all areas of the brain is discussed in the first chapters. These discoveries uncover how the brain is able to make sense of the world and store our memories for access. Practical methods of developing learning strategies are introduced with supporting detail from the vast accumulation of neuroscientific research. Five case studies underscore the value and potency of the plastic mind. They also emphasize the success people can achieve by actively, purposefully and mindfully engaging in finding their own solutions for learning. Finding the Way is a book for teachers, tutors, counselors, learning facilitators and people who hope to improve the way they and others can learn. These concepts are important to consider as an educator and as someone who works with students whether they have learning disabilities, traumatic brain injury or not.
Jim Valkenburg has been an educator since 1979. He has taught courses across the curriculum at five colleges in four states, and has been the director of two nationally recognized tutorial programs. A CLADEA Fellow, he is a Certified Master Tutor and Certified Master Tutor Trainer, is a member of the Association for the Tutoring Profession, National College Learning Center Association, and the College Reading and Learning Association. He has tutoring expertise in Humanities, Social Sciences, Writing/Literature, Study Skills, and Multi-sensory Learning. Mr. Valkenburg has successfully worked with students with Learning Disabilities and Traumatic Head Injuries for over ten years. He focuses on helping the individual to find the best way to learn, remember and access information. Mr. Valkenburg is the founder of the Association for the Tutoring Profession (ATP). He was its first President, served as the Membership Chair and as the Chair of the Online Workshop series. His original idea to offer online workshops brought inexpensive training opportunities to over a thousand participants after the workshops began in July 2004. He has developed over one hundred training presentations and workshops at various professional conferences. Mr. Valkenburg, who has also served as the National College Learning Center President, is in semi-retirement, but continues to work with students who have learning disabilities or have suffered traumatic brain injuries and with gifted and talented students who need the guidance to focus their talents in a meaningful and positive way. His work continues as he lectures, conducts seminars and acts as a consultant for developing tutorial and educational programs. He is co-author, with Cora Dzubak, of the book, The Engaged Mind: Cognitive Skills and Learning. Jim has also published two other books: A Change of Mind: An Investigation of Understanding and Dream Dance: Whisper on a Scream, a book of poetry. His latest book is, Finding the Way: Brain Plasticity, Learning Disabilities and Brain Trauma. He has also published manuscripts in The Learning Assistance Review, the Journal of the National College Learning Center Association-(v. 15, n. 2, Fall 2010) and (v. 17, n. 2, Fall 2012)-and in Synergy, the Online Journal for the Association for the Tutoring Profession. He lives in Michigan with his wife of thirty years, Jan, and his daughters Jacqui, Rebecca and Jamie.
