His PhD research encompassed an international project that looked at how Australian and Canadian middle-year students conceptualise various school experiences. Dr Nagel has also spent time in the United States researching neurological development in children, specifically in areas related to a sexually dimorphic brain.

In 2006 his book entitled BOYS-STIR-US: WORKING WITH THE HIDDEN NATURE OF BOYS was released in Australia and in the near future he is expecting to release a companion volume entitled IT'S A GIRL THING: UNDERSTANDING THE DEVELOPING FEMALE BRAIN.

Dr Nagel is keenly interested in most facets of education but his primary motivation is helping to ensure that schools and 'schooling' are positive and enriching experiences for students and teachers alike.

WORKSHOP / SEMINAR SYNOPSIS

Sexing the Brain:
How Understanding Adolescent Neurology and the 'Gendered Brain' Can Enhance Educational Environments for Teachers and Students.

In the last decade, medical and scientific research has provided new insights into the neurological and physiological differences of the male and female brain. Some of the most profound differences exist during preadolescence and when children enter puberty. This has tremendous implications for educators working with 'Middle Years' students in that brain difference also impacts on how boys and girls learn and behave. This seminar will provide evidence and insights into aspects of a 'gendered brain', the intricacies of adolescent brain development and the implications this has for educators as well as providing practical strategies for parents, teachers and administrators working within 'Middle Years' environments.


POSSIBLE SPEAKING TOPICS FOR TEACHERS AND PARENTS

Introductory seminar looking at male and female brain difference and the implications of this for those who work with children. This would also be the framework for looking at the following topics.


* Boys and Girls Learn Differently

* Understanding the Developing Brain (Early Childhood)

* Understanding the Developing Brain (Middle School - Adolescence)

* Raising and Educating Boys

* Brainsex

* Developmental Gender Differences

* Boys-Stir-Us

* Intimacy Imperative...Bonding and Attachment

* Emotional Stress

* The Role of Nutrition

* Increasing Empathy Nurturance and Verbalization

* Behaviour and Discipline

* Subject Specific Learning in Various Contexts

Following is some feedback from Dr Nagel's Understanding Adolescent Neurology Seminar at the O'Shea Centre in Brisbane in 2005:

"I enjoyed the session very much... I see it as so relevant... This has been valuable to me and would be valuable to all the teachers at our school."

"I really value what I learned today. It was a most engaging, interesting and challenging learning experience... Thank you!"

"The mix of knowledge and activities was a role model in itself... the humour was fabulous and made the points really well."

"Thoroughly enjoyed the whole day, especially the relevance to the classroom and how it could be put into practice with very little initial work."