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Dr. David Walsh    

David is a highly sought after national speaker. His presentations focus on the impact of mass media on children and the implications of that influence for school performance, literacy, and violence prevention.

Dr. Walsh is the president and founder of the National Institute on Media and the Family based in Minneapolis, MN. Psychologist, educator, author and parent of three Dr. Walsh has emerged as one of the leading authorities in North America on the impact of media on children and families. He has written eight books including the award winning Selling Out America's Children and Dr. Dave's Cyberhood. He also wrote the American Medical Association's Physician Guide to Media Violence as well as many articles for the professional and general press. His latest book is Why Do They Act That Way: A Survival Guide to the Adolescent Brain for You and Your Teen (Free Press, 2004).

David Walsh, Ph.D. is a highly sought after national speaker. His presentations focus on the impact of mass media on children and the implications of that influence for school performance, literacy, and violence prevention. He describes the impact of mass media in the context of the recent discoveries about children's brain development. He is able to explain to both professional and lay audiences how and why media is as influential as it is. His presentations are down to earth, understandable, engaging, and laced with warmth and humor.

Dr. Walsh is a frequent guest on national radio and television. He has appeared on such programs as NBC Dateline, CBS This Morning, The News Hour with Jim Lehrer, Good Morning America, Today Show and National Public Radio's All Things Considered. His work has been covered in major newspapers such as the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Time Magazine, Reader's Digest, and others. A one-hour special on Dr. Walsh's work will be broadcast nationally on PBS in 2001.

Dr. Walsh received his Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Minnesota. He is currently on the faculties of the University of Minnesota and the University of St. Thomas. He has been the recipient of many awards including the 1999 "Friend of the Family Award" presented by the Council on Family Relations. He and his wife Monica have three children, Dan, Brian, and Erin

â–ºRaising MediaWise Kids: Safety in the Cyberhood

This presentation breaks new ground on the issue of the impact of mass media on children. Dr. Walsh combines the latest discoveries in the field of brain research with empirical data to show how and why mass media are so powerful in shaping attitudes, values, and behavior in children and youth. He describes the role of media on "the culture of disrespect" and the "seven building blocks for academic success." This presentation not only provides new understanding of the impact of media, it also offers a concrete plan for positive change. Dr. Walsh lays out the plan to reestablish respect and improve school performance.

â–ºCreating a Positive School Climate

Classroom and school climate is a key element in the learning environment. When the climate is good, students feel secure and can learn. When the climate is not good, however, anxiety rises, disorder breaks out and learning goes down. This workshop takes the mystery out of climate. Dr. Walsh describes how it develops and what educators can do to manage it. He addresses topics including "tipping points," the power of little things, discipline, connectors, and the eight steps to creating positive school climate.

â–ºEducation in the Internet Age

This generation of students is growing up in the midst of one of the greatest revolutions of all time. Video games, the Internet, TV, e-mail, chat rooms--they have all become integrated into children's lives. In this workshop Dr. Walsh will explore the impact of the digital revolution on children and schools. He will peer into the cyberfuture to catch a glimpse of the world this generation will be living in and how we can best prepare them for that future.

â–ºEmotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence is a critical trait for success in relationships and career. Dr. Walsh explains what emotional intelligence is and how to help children develop it. He combines his experience as a teacher, coach, parent, and child psychologist with the latest insights from brain science to map out a practical plan for raising children who are socially adept, and emotionally mature.

â–ºRoots and Wings: The Challenge of Adolescence

Adolescence has been described as a "normally abnormal stage of life." Dr. Walsh describes nine traits of this developmental stage that make adolescents an exciting, fun, and sometimes baffling group to work with. He will combine the latest findings from brain research to deepen our understanding of the changes that adolescents are experiencing. He also describes what adolescents need from adults and how adults can stay connected to kids when they seem to be asking for a separation.

â–ºBoy Brains and Girl Brains: What Does Science Tells Us?

Are boys naturally better at math? Do girls' brains give them an edge in verbal skills and reading? Brain science is helping us figure out the inherent differences between boys and girls. Dr. Dave Walsh not only separates the facts from the myths, but he also translates the latest research into strategies that parents and teachers can use to enhance learning and development for all children.

Speech Topics

Jolts and Tricks: Unpacking the Power of Media

Whoever tells the stories defines the culture. That isn't new. What is new is that we have delegated more and more of the storytelling function to mass media. Some media take the art to new heights. Too many, however, specialize in dishing out stories of violence, sex, and humor. Given that young people today spend over 53 hours a week in front of screens, it is more important than ever that we have critical conversations about the powerful role of media in our lives. In this presentation, our speakers combine the latest discoveries in brain science with up-to-date research and data to explore how media shape norms, attitudes and behaviors. In addition to the opportunities associated with growing up in the 21st century, we will explain how the forces that drive media content don’t always have the best interest of our families and communities in mind. Our speakers will pay special attention to how media influence child and adolescent development during important “windows of opportunity” where young can develop the capacity to be critical consumers and creators of digital media. This workshop can be tailored to address specific issues including:

  • Youth culture and self-perception
  • Psychology of advertising
  • Violence and aggression
  • Body image
  • Sex and sexual risk behaviors
  • Health and wellness
  • School climate

From Online Safety To Digital Citizenship: Parenting In An Online World

Welcome to parenting in Web 2.0. The Internet, social networking, cell phones, video games and other digital innovations are game changers in our work and family life. We see examples in our kids every day as they multi-task, play on-line video games, create their own YouTube videos, text their friends and post on their Facebook pages. Our speakers will explain how technology is changing the ways that kids learn and socialize. We will also describe both the amazing opportunities associated with growing up in a digital world and the things to watch out for. Parents will leave this workshop with a better understanding of how to maximize the benefits while avoiding the pitfalls of the online world. Our speakers will answer important questions like:

Are kids really good multi-taskers? Is Internet addiction real? How can we address cyberbullying? Is texting connecting us or disconnecting us? What can young people do to become good, caring digital citizens?

Brain Fitness for Career Success

We all know how important cardiovascular fitness is for our physical health. Now science has uncovered the secrets to brain health that make us smarter, happier, more alert and energetic. Dr. David Walsh will show you How to improve your “focused attention” and concentration to improve productivity and performance. How diet, exercise, and sleep all affect thinking, mood, and energy.

How to hone speaking and communication skills and strategies for maximum effect.

How the “Rule of Seven” is the key to sharp thinking and problem solving.

How to keep the aging brain sharper than the young ones.

This cutting edge workshop can be tailored to fit the needs of your company or professional group from keynote speech to full day training. You and your colleagues will leave with a personal brain fitness plan for higher productivity, increased job satisfaction and a better team performance.

The Brain Goes To School: What Science Tells Us About Student Achievement

Recent discoveries in brain science are revolutionizing many fields, including education. Best selling author and international speaker Dr. Dave Walsh connects the dots between brain science and the classroom to show how educators can improve students’ concentration, boost their energy, and enhance retention and creativity. From keynote addresses to full day trainings Dr. Walsh brings science to the art of teaching. Topics include…..

  • Focused versus reactive attention
  • Concentration
  • Working memory and learning: “The Rule of Seven”
  • Creativity and imagination
  • Self discipline: the key to school success
  • Brain food
  • Exercise as a brain booster
  • Rested brains work better
  • Technology and the brain

Why Do They Act That Way? A Survival Guide To The Adolescent Brain

Adolescence has been described as a "normally abnormal stage of life." This workshop, based on Dr. David Walsh's best selling book, explains exactly what happens to the adolescent brain on the path from childhood into adulthood. Revealing the latest scientific findings in easy-to-understand terms, our speakers show why moodiness, quickness to anger, willingness to take risks, miscommunication and other familiar teenage behavior are so common-all are linked to physical changes and growth in the adolescent brain. This workshop goes beyond the well-known issues of hormones and peer pressure. We also shows parents and anyone who works with youth how to use this information to understand, communicate with, and stay connected to their kids.

Parenting With The Brain In Mind: What Science Tells Us About Raising Smart, Healthy Kids

  • How can we foster imagination and creativity?

  • What foods are brain foods?

  • How can I raise my child’s IQ?

  • Why is exercise important for brain growth?

  • Is technology re-wiring kids’ brains?

  • How can US kids catch up with kids in other countries on those international tests?

  • Dr. Dave will answer these questions and many others in a workshop based on his newest book, Smart Parenting, Smarter Kids: The One Brain Book You Need to Help Your Child Grow Healthier, Brighter, and Happier.

  • Internationally renowned psychologist, best selling author, and in-demand speaker, Dr. Dave will translate the latest findings from brain science into practical strategies that parents, teachers and anyone concerned about kids can put to use immediately.

News

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