environmental and chemical factors related to learning amanda weeks ashford university
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Environmental and Chemical Factors Related to Learning Amanda Weeks Ashford University. EDU417: Cognitive Studies Capstone Professor J. Savarese -Levine February 2, 2014. What Affects Your Child’s Brain?. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Environmental and Chemical Factors Related to Learning
Amanda WeeksAshford University
EDU417: Cognitive Studies CapstoneProfessor J. Savarese-Levine
February 2, 2014
What Affects Your Child’s Brain?
It important to have a
basic understanding of
the chemical factors
(i.e., neurotransmitters)
that affect your child’s
ability to learn.
Environmental factors also have a
major impact, including:
O SleepO ExerciseO Nutrition
O Technology
Understanding Neuroplasticity
The brain is an amazing organ
that can grow and change and is
shaped by environment as well
as genetics.
.
An Intro to Neurotransmitter
s
Neurons release chemicals
that cross synapses and allow
communication between
neurons. They can have a big
impact on learning and
memory.
Some Common Neurotransmitters
Dopamine Multiple functions depending on where in the brain it acts; vital to movement and thought and regulating emotional responses.
Serotonin Helps regulate temperature, sensory perception, mood, and sleep.
Acetylcholine May aid in regulating memory; controls actions of skeletal and smooth muscle.
Sleep, Exercise, Nutrition, and Technology: Effects on
Learning and Memory
Why Your Child Needs a Good Night’s Sleep
O At certain times during the sleep cycle, the brain is as active as when we are awake and problem-solving.
O During sleep, consolidation occurs, which is “the process of stabilizing a memory trace over time, moving it from short-term to long-term memory” (Wolfe, 2010, p. 96).
O While we sleep, we process information we learned during the day, which contributes strongly to memory formation.
The Importance of Nutrition to Learning
O Complex carbs improve attention, working memory, and episodic secondary memory.
O Obese adults have been shown to have 8% less brain tissue.
O High levels of saturated fats impair memory and learning.
O Omega-3 fatty acids are vital to hormone balance and immune system, which are essential to a healthy brain.
O Neurotransmitters are composed of amino acids, which we gain from our diet.
How Exercise Impacts Learning
O Physical activity increases oxygen flow to the bloodstream, which increases growth and plasticity of frontal lobes.
O Exercise can induce neurogenesis (growth of new neurons).
O Movement causes the release of proteins that trigger the release of BDNF (brain-derived neurotropic factor), which stimulates neural growth and learning.
Technology and Learning:Both Risks and Benefits of Video
Games and TV are Highly Debatable
O The effects of TV shows and video games depend on the content, age of the child, and time spent viewing/playing.
O If they replace valuable activities such as exercise and studying, the impact is quite negative.
O Shows with complex plots can enhance higher level thinking skills.
O Well-designed educational video games can focus on critical skills and provide practice, feedback, and motivation.
O Games that allow players to work together enhance social skills.
ReferencesO Fischer , K. W., Immordino-Yang, M. H., & , (2008). The
Jossey-Bass reader on the brain and learning. (1st ed.). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
O Ganzer, C., & Zauderer, C. (2011). Promoting a brain-healthy lifestyle. Nursing Older People, 23(7), 24-27. Retrieved from Ashford Library.
O Weis, T., Puschmann, S., Brechmann, A., & Thiel, C. M. (2012). Effects of L-dopa during Auditory Instrumental Learning in Humans. Plus ONE, 7(12), 111. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0052504. Retrieved from Ashford Library.
O
Wolfe, P. (2010). Brain matters: Translating research into classroom practice. (2nd ed.). Alexandria,VA:
Association for Supervision & Curriculum Development.