Untitled Quiz

Educational Psychology: Developing Learners - Chapter 2

• 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.