Learning and The Brain PDF

Learning and The Brain Outline Basic Building Blocks of the Human Brain Structures and Function Development of the Brain Neurological Bases of Learning  Q to consider 1. Brain cells (e.g. Neurons and Glial cells) are important in learning. a) Explai...

Learning and The Brain Outline Basic Building Blocks of the Human Brain Structures and Function Development of the Brain Neurological Bases of Learning  Q to consider 1. Brain cells (e.g. Neurons and Glial cells) are important in learning. a) Explain the role of the neuron. b) Why do you think neurons are emphasized in learning? c) Explain the role of the glial cells. d) In what way do they work together? e) Explain why it is a myth that we only use 10% of our brain. Brain Basics: Brain Cells Glial cells (“glue”) = the “other” brain cells. Support neurons. 9:1 ratio of glial to neurons. Guide development of nervous system Repairs damage Controls nutrient flow Electrical insulation speeds signal transmission E.g. Myelin Sheath Basic Building Blocks of the Human  Neurons – send and receive electro-chemical messages Brain Cells Patterns of neural firing = thinking, memory, processing, etc. Neuron parts: Dendrites - “branches” on the soma that contain synaptic receptors (receive). Soma - Cell body Axon - the slender tube that extends from the soma, where electrical impulses (action potentials) travel Myelin Sheath – glia cells that help speed of transmission Nodes of Ranvier – gaps between myelin sheath Salutatory conduction, “jumping” Synaptic terminal (button) – sends chemical signals into the synapse Synapse – gap between neurons Neurotransmitters Neurotransmitters – the brain’s chemical messengers Neuron communication Accumulation of neurotransmitter in synapse Action potential = all-or-none effect, if threshold is met Equal in size no “small” or “large” action potentials  Q to consider a) Explain why it is a myth that some people are “right-brained” while some people are “left-brained”. b) In what ways is the brain specialized (e.g. think lobe and hemisphere roles). c) Discuss what you know about the interconnectedness of the brain. Brain Basics: Brain Parts Forebrain The largest and most complex brain structure 4 Lobes of Brain; 2 Hemispheres Subcortical features: Thalamus- relays sensory information Limbic System Hippocampus – learning, memory, spatial coding Amygdala –emotional processing Brain Structures and Function The Four Lobes of the Cerebral Cortex Brain Structures and Function Lobe functions are highly integrated But, each lobe is closely associated with certain functions The brain is plastic 11  Brain Structures and Function The Hemispheres Lateralization – each hemisphere is associated with specific function Left Hemisphere Right Hemisphere Language Spatial Reasoning Verbal memory Nonverbal memory Logic/ rationalizing (Visual) Math Face recognition 12  Q to consider What factors influence brain development? Development of the Brain Plasticity – the capacity to change as a function of experience Dr. Laura Boyd | “After watching this, your brain will not be the same” Development of the Brain Receptor Site Changes Long-term potentiation (LTP) - a lasting increase in the responsiveness of neurons Long-term depression (LTD) - a lasting decline in the responsiveness of relevant neurons Development of the Brain Early Development Videos Experiences Build Brain Architecture Interaction Shapes Brain Circuitry Toxic Stress Derails Healthy Development  Environment can change the Brain Enriched environments (both mental and physical opportunities) Lead to more synapses between brain cells Stimulate neuron growth and survival Link between cognitive stimulation and positive outcomes higher IQ or better school achievement Development of the Brain Environment can change DNA Chronic stressors, major depression, obesity, poor diet, and smoking shorten your telomeres! Development of the Brain Differentiation – Neuron specialization (becoming specialized) Myelination – Process of coating axon with myelin  Development of the Brain Expectant v. Dependent Plasticity Experience-Expectant – Any normal experience works to create necessary changes, e.g. exposed to visual stimuli and language Everyone learns a (first/primary) language, formal training not required! Experience-Dependent – Formal training required; not a skill that is a cross-cultural normal experience You, in this class, right now!!! Reading, writing, arithmetic, tying shoes, etc. * Do I need to provide extra specialized instruction to my child before 2?  Q to consider How does learning about the brain help us learn? Neurological Basis of Learning Neurogenesis – Growth of new neurons Consolidation Synaptic consolidation – synapses strengthened; this occurs quickly This is LTP Systems consolidation – networks of neurons organize and become stable ; this takes a long time Hippocampus works to organize memory components in various locations (lobes), as memory is distributed across the cortex.  Consolidation Hebb’s Rule: Repeated firing of two neurons strengthens the link between them The neurons that fire together, wire together! Connections are faster and stronger 26  A single concept is represented by many neurons A single concept 27  Each neuron may be part of many concepts Each related concept, because they share neurons, may become activated Spreading Activation A group of related/connected concepts 28  Brain’s role in learning: Overview The brain is plastic Synaptic genesis and pruning Brain has areas of specialization (lobes/hemispheres), but works as a system Experiences matter Expectant, Dependent Healthy, safe, nurturing, nutritious All information in LTM is organized Semantic Network Learning builds on learning Learning is active 29