About Darren Michalczuk

Darren Michalczuk, a teacher in rural northern Alberta school, started developing techniques for students who were struggling with school. His "thinking outside the box" combined with the "do what works" attitude paved the way for some innovative ideas. These new ideas turned the light on for many students, who in the past have been overwhelmed, discouraged or frustrated with school. Essentially he found something that worked when nothing else did. He created very specific mnemonic devices for learning language, math and even music. Although these ideas came from age old techniques, they were previously reserved for an elite group. After researching and studying these techniques, Darren recreated them, making them so simple and fun that anyone, especially kids could use them. Using specific images and patterns, he taught math in a way that eliminated much of the effort and energy that is normally spent learning things like the times tables. He did the same in language, starting off with phonics, or learning the sounds for each letter and letter combination. In music, each note was learned using a very specific image that allowed students to read and fluently play on a number of instruments including recorder, piano, guitar and violin. Although the images seem simple, they lead to very advanced thinking. Learning the basics became easyand the strategies evolved into an entire classroom environment. Darren has taught children as young as six the times tables within a few hours when normally students aged ten to twelve years spent months, even years learning these skills by rote or drill activities. Students in grades four, five and six were playing complex four part harmony songs with ease. Students who usually struggled with language became strong readers, writers and spellers well beyond grade level. With these techniques, the mastery percentage was near one hundred every time. Some students only needed a few hours to learn the techniques to go from an "at risk" student to a "high achieving" one. Darren has a passion for helping children learn. He is constantly creating new and better ways to educate and in turn is rewarded with students who respond.