Brain and learning MADE BY ANNA ISTOMINA UCO

Neuroscience  Neuroscience  Neuroscience is an empirical study of the brain and connected nervous system that examines the impact of our genetic make-up on learning in addition to environmental factors;  The brain is the organ that enables us to adapt to our environment – to learn;  Genetic influences on brain development and its functions are not clear, for example, on reading;  Environmental factors can affect the work of genes

Brain’s lobes Cortex and hippocampus

Neuron Synapses (connections between neurons)

Identical twins vs. non-identical twins

Neuroplasticity that is extraordinary adaptability of the brain The brain is constantly changing through the activation of new connections between neurons It enables to store memories and thus adapt to the new environment, but at the same time contributes to the emergence of addiction Features of neuroplasticity: Features of neuroplasticity: 1.it lowers with age; 2.neural development doesn’t differ significantly between genders, but the rate of the brain maturation does; 3.brain connectivity changes progressively over the span of life : brain development in adolescence and adulthood; 4.“use it or lose it”; 5.it has constraints and individual differences.

Brain’s response to reward depends on  context;  individual differences

Self-control  that means an ability to refrain from acting on impulse;  Improves through childhood, adolescence and early adulthood;  differs considerably among individuals;  affects future academic success

Education  Education greatly improves cognitive abilities like abstract thought, literacy, numeracy etc.;  It can also increase cognitive reserve and thus strengthen resilience;  Health, nutrition, sleep and exercise  Health, nutrition, sleep and exercise are essential for mental wellbeing;  In case of some diagnosed conditions “smart drugs” (Ritalim or Modafinil) are usually prescribed;  “Brain Gym”;  Learning style preferences – VAK

Brain care Omega-3 Positive effect of Omega-3 is not evident; caffeine Continuous consumption of caffeine decreases alertness and blocks the action of adenosine (promotes energy transfer); sleep During the sleeping hours brain consolidates memories and reproduces the neural activities that took place during the day; water Dehydration as well as drinking water while not being thirsty reduce cognitive ability;

Variations in the learning ability  Overall inability to learn  Overall inability to learn can lead to poor social adaptation and unemployment so there is an urgent need for new effective educational technics; understanding specific learning difficulties  The main focus is on understanding specific learning difficulties such as problems with reading (dyslexia) or doing math (dyscalculia) that are not obligatory confined by childhood; testing  However, biological testing to determine these conditions are currently not available, only behavioral one; abnormality  There is no definite rule that would establish abnormality, but some subtle markets and especially not on the individual level;  ADHD (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) studies; neurotransmitters  Brain functioning depends on neurotransmitters (affect connections between brain regions) that determine the levels of excitation and self-control;

Adaptive learning technologies  Widespread implementation of special teaching technics is hardly affordable;  Modern technologies like mobile phones or laptops provide possibilities for targeting particular learning activities;  High quality digital targeting training may:  improve performance on specific task;  support self-paced learning;  facilitate the activity of people with sensory or physical deficits;  deliver opportunities for adult studies or learning after the retirement age

The role of cognition Functioning Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) and cognitive model EXAMPLES: EXAMPLES: Working memory; Visualization; The construction of meaning MRI

Challenges  Critics:  Reductionist view  Determinist view  Inappropriate exploitation;  Interactions with other professionals

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