Neuroscience of Reading PDF

CHAPTER 5: NEUROSCIENCE OF READING Science and Development of Reading – Week 7  Intended Learning Outcomes At the end of the lesson, the learners are expected to: Understand the brain regions involved in reading; Discuss the significa...

CHAPTER 5: NEUROSCIENCE OF READING Science and Development of Reading – Week 7  Intended Learning Outcomes At the end of the lesson, the learners are expected to: Understand the brain regions involved in reading; Discuss the significance of neuroimaging studies; Explain the connection between brain development and reading proficiency; Analyze the role of neural processing in word recognition; Discuss neural mechanisms in reading comprehension; and, Apply knowledge of the neuroscience of reading BRAIN REGIONS INVOLVED IN READING  Three Main Parts of the Brain CEREBRUM CEREBELLUM BRAIN STEM cognitive coordination and automatic functions and balance functions movements  Four Major Brain Regions Involved in Reading OCCIPITAL LOBES – These are located at the back of the brain. These are responsible for recognizing and interpreting visual information. The outer layer of the neocortex covering the occipital lobes is the visual cortex.  Four Major Brain Regions Involved in Reading PARIETAL LOBES – These are located above the occipital lobes and at the top of the back of the brain. These integrate sensory information and combine tactile input with both sounds and visual information entering the brain.  Four Major Brain Regions Involved in Reading TEMPORAL LOBES – These are located above the ears on either side of the brain. These are responsible for hearing, some speech, and some memory. These are covered by the part of the neocortex called the auditory cortex.  Four Major Brain Regions Involved in Reading FRONTAL LOBES – These are located behind the forehead, which are responsible for reasoning, motor skills, higher-level cognition, and expressive language. The part of the neocortex that covers the frontal lobes is known as the association cortex. Other Parts of the Brain Involved in Reading THALAMUS – It is sometimes referred to as the “Grand Central Station” for the brain. It receives all the incoming information and sends it to appropriate areas for processing. Other Parts of the Brain Involved in Reading BROCA’S AREA – It is named after Paul Broca, a French surgeon. Its functions include articulation of speech and comprehension of meaning. Other Parts of the Brain Involved in Reading WERNICKE’S AREA – It is named after Carl Wernicke, a German psychiatrist. It is located in the left temporal lobe and adjacent to the parietal lobe. It is used for comprehending language, both spoken, written, and sign language. Other Parts of the Brain Involved in Reading ARCUATE FASCICULUS – It is the band of fibers that connect the Broca’s area and the Wernicke’s area, and relay information between these two structures. Other Parts of the Brain Involved in Reading ANGULAR GYRUS – It lies between the Wernicke’s area and the visual cortex. It is responsible for recognizing symbols such as letter. Other Parts of the Brain Involved in Reading CEREBELLUM – It is located in the back of the brain beneath the occipital lobe. It is often referred to as the “little brain,” which helps with the timing and synchronization of speech. Other Parts of the Brain Involved in Reading HIPPOCAMPUS – It is embedded deep into temporal lobe. It is important for memory and the formation of new knowledge related to reading comprehension. It helps in linking information from different parts of the text to create a coherent  NEUROIMAGING STUDIES AND READING RESEARCH Definition of Neuroimaging It includes the use of various techniques to either directly or indirectly image the structure, function, or pharmacology of the brain. It allows neuroscientists to see the inside of the living brain. Two categories of neuroimaging: (a) structural imaging and (b) functional imaging. Different Tools Used for Neuroimaging Electroencephalography (EEG) It measures the electrical activity in the brain. It helps scientists see when there are areas of neurons that respond to specific stimuli. Different Tools Used for Neuroimaging Computerized Axial Tomography (CT or CAT) It combines x-rays with computer technology to produce two-dimensional and three-dimensional images of slices of the brain. It shows the structure but not the function of the brain. Different Tools Used for Neuroimaging Positron Emission Tomography (PET) It measures the amount of radiation and activity in various brain areas. Different Tools Used for Neuroimaging Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) It shows the levels of deoxygenated blood in the brain cells.  Key Findings and Insights from Neuroimaging Studies in the Field of Reading Research Reading Networks – The left hemisphere of the brain, particularly the regions in the posterior part of the left frontal lobe (Broca's area) and the left temporal lobe (Wernicke's area), is known to be crucial for language processing and reading comprehension.  Key Findings and Insights from Neuroimaging Studies in the Field of Reading Research Phonological Processing – The left superior temporal gyrus is heavily involved in phonological processing, which is essential for decoding written words into their corresponding sounds.  Key Findings and Insights from Neuroimaging Studies in the Field of Reading Research Visual Word Form Area (VWFA) – The VWFA, located in the left ventral occipitotemporal cortex, is specialized for recognizing and processing visual word forms. Neuroimaging studies have consistently shown that this region becomes highly active when individuals read words, suggesting its role in word recognition.  Key Findings and Insights from Neuroimaging Studies in the Field of Reading Research Orthographic Processing – The left fusiform gyrus, also known as the visual word form area, is involved in processing the visual features of written words, such as their letter shapes and word patterns. This region helps in recognizing familiar words quickly.  Key Findings and Insights from Neuroimaging Studies in the Field of Reading Reading Comprehension Research – Reading comprehension is a complex process that involves the integration of various brain regions, including the left angular gyrus and the left prefrontal cortex. These areas play critical roles in higher-order processes, such as understanding text, drawing inferences, and maintaining context.  Key Findings and Insights from Neuroimaging Studies in the Field of Reading Dyslexia – Individuals with Research dyslexia often exhibit differences in brain activation patterns, with less activation in certain reading-related regions. This has led to a better understanding of the neurological underpinnings of reading difficulties and the development of targeted interventions.  Key Findings and Insights from Neuroimaging Studies in the Field of Reading Developmental Changes –Research Longitudinal neuroimaging studies have revealed how the brain regions involved in reading change as children learn to read. These studies have shown that reading instruction can lead to changes in the structure and function of the reading network over time.  Key Findings and Insights from Neuroimaging Studies in the Field of Reading Research Bilingualism – It explored how the brain processes reading in bilingual individuals. It has demonstrated that bilinguals may engage additional brain regions when reading in their second language, reflecting the cognitive demands of language switching and translation.  Key Findings and Insights from Neuroimaging Studies in the Field of Reading Individual Differences – Research Neuroimaging studies have helped identify brain-based predictors of reading ability and individual differences in reading skills. This information can be useful for tailoring reading interventions to specific needs.  LINKS BETWEEN BRAIN DEVELOPMENT AND LITERACY  The brain undergoes rapid growth and development during early years of life (infancy to early childhood). Literacy skills heavily rely on the language centers of the brain, the Broca’s area and Wernicke’s area. The brain exhibits neuroplasticity, which enables it to adapt and reorganize itself in response to learning experiences. Phonological processing is important in the development of a person’s literacy skills.  Reading goes through a series of stages, which are associated with distinct brain activation patterns. Literacy is closely related to other cognitive skills such as focus, memory, and executive functions.  References Sprenger, M. (2013). Wiring the Brain for Reading: Brain- based Strategies for Teaching Literacy. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Hill Learning Center. (2022). The Reading Brain | How We Learn To Read [Video file]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2HHrKpjlYM Brain Imaging: What Are the Different Types? https://www.brainline.org/slideshow/brain-imaging-what-ar e-different-types Houston, S. M., Lebel, C., Katzir, T., Manis, F. R., Kan, E., Rodriguez, G. G., & Sowell, E. R. (2014). Reading skill and structural brain development. Neuroreport, 25(5), 347– 352. https://doi.org/10.1097/WNR.0000000000000121