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Questions and Answers
Which type of cells in the brain is responsible for communication and information reception?
Which type of cells in the brain is responsible for communication and information reception?
What role does the prefrontal cortex primarily serve?
What role does the prefrontal cortex primarily serve?
Which part of the brain is primarily involved in essential processes like breathing?
Which part of the brain is primarily involved in essential processes like breathing?
Which cells enhance the functioning of neurons and serve specialized functions?
Which cells enhance the functioning of neurons and serve specialized functions?
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In what capacity do different areas of the brain interact?
In what capacity do different areas of the brain interact?
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Which process describes the elimination of unused synapses as children age?
Which process describes the elimination of unused synapses as children age?
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What is primarily the left hemisphere of the brain associated with?
What is primarily the left hemisphere of the brain associated with?
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What term refers to the brain's ability to adapt and rearrange itself in response to changing circumstances?
What term refers to the brain's ability to adapt and rearrange itself in response to changing circumstances?
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Which statement about brain function is a common misconception?
Which statement about brain function is a common misconception?
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What effect does myelination have on neurons?
What effect does myelination have on neurons?
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What are sensitive periods in brain development?
What are sensitive periods in brain development?
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How do hormones impact brain development?
How do hormones impact brain development?
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Which statement is true about learning and cognitive development?
Which statement is true about learning and cognitive development?
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Study Notes
Educational Psychology: Developing Learners - Chapter 2
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Learning Objectives:
- Describe four principles of child development, including the interplay of heredity and environment.
- Explain how brain development influences children's thinking and learning.
- Apply Piaget's theory of cognitive development in classroom practice.
- Apply Vygotsky's theory of cognitive development in classroom practice.
- Describe language development in school-aged children and adapt instruction for diverse linguistic abilities.
The Role of the Brain
- Brain Cells: The brain is composed of trillions of cells, including neurons (nerve cells) and glial cells. Neurons communicate and receive information, while glial cells support neuron function.
Neuron Structures
- Structure of a Neuron: Neurons have a cell body (soma), dendrites (receiving signals), an axon (transmitting signals), axon hillock, myelin sheath, nodes of Ranvier, and synaptic end bulbs.
Key Points (Brain Function)
- Brain Harmony: Different brain parts work together harmoniously.
- Brain Specialization: Areas of the brain specialize in specific functions, such as essential processes (e.g., breathing), habitual movements (e.g., cycling), basic perception (e.g., paying attention), and complex thinking.
Cerebral Cortex
- Conscious Thought: The cortex is responsible for conscious thought, reasoning, and attention.
- Hemispheric Differences: The brain has two hemispheres, with the left hemisphere primarily responsible for language and logical thinking, while the right hemisphere is more involved in visual/spatial tasks.
- Inter-hemispheric Interaction: Both hemispheres work together and thinking is distributed across the cortical areas.
Key Points (Brain Development)
- Learning and Brain Changes: Learning alters the brain's structure and function.
- Synaptic Changes: Synapses, the connections between neurons, are strengthened or eliminated during learning.
- Neuron and Glial Cell Formation: New neurons and glial cells are formed during development.
- Synaptic Pruning: The process where the brain efficiently eliminates unnecessary synapses throughout a child´s growing years to enhance connections.
- Myelination: Myelin sheath development increases neurons' speed and efficiency of firing and receiving messages during development.
- Hormonal Influences: Hormones, particularly during puberty, can impact brain development.
The Brain - Adaptability
- Brain Plasticity: The brain´s capacity to adapt and rearrange itself throughout life.
- Sensitive Periods: Specific periods where experiencing particular stimuli significantly impacts brain development.
- Neuroplasticity and Experience: Experience plays a critical role in cognitive development during sensitive periods.
- Example: Lack of visual stimulation, like children born with cataracts who may lose the ability to see normally.
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