Brain and learning

1. Brain and learning Made by Anna Istomina UCO 411480

2. Neuroscience • Neuroscience is an empirical study of the brain and connected nervous system that examines the impact of our genetic make-up on learning in addition to environmental factors; • The brain is the organ that enables us to adapt to our environment – to learn; • Genetic influences on brain development and its functions are not clear, for example, on reading; • Environmental factors can affect the work of genes

3. Cortex and hippocampus Brain’s lobes

4. Synapses (connections between neurons) Neuron

5. Identical twins vs. non-identical twins

6. Neuroplasticity that is extraordinary adaptability of the brain • The brain is constantly changing through the activation of new connections between neurons • It enables to store memories and thus adapt to the new environment, but at the same time contributes to the emergence of addiction • Features of neuroplasticity: • it lowers with age; • neural development doesn’t differ significantly between genders, but the rate of the brain maturation does; • brain connectivity changes progressively over the span of life : brain development in adolescence and adulthood; • “use it or lose it”; • it has constraints and individual differences.

7. Brain’s response to reward depends on • context; • individual differences

8. Self-control • that means an ability to refrain from acting on impulse; • Improves through childhood, adolescence and early adulthood; • differs considerably among individuals; • affects future academic success

9. Education • Education greatly improves cognitive abilities like abstract thought, literacy, numeracy etc.; • It can also increase cognitive reserve and thus strengthen resilience; • Health, nutrition, sleep and exercise are essential for mental wellbeing; • In case of some diagnosed conditions “smart drugs” (Ritalim or Modafinil) are usually prescribed; • “Brain Gym”; • Learning style preferences – VAK

10. Brain care • Positive effect of Omega-3 is not evident; • Continuous consumption of caffeine decreases alertness and blocks the action of adenosine (promotes energy transfer); • During the sleeping hours brain consolidates memories and reproduces the neural activities that took place during the day; • Dehydration as well as drinking water while not being thirsty reduce cognitive ability;

11. Variations in the learning ability • Overall inability to learncan lead to poor social adaptation and unemployment so there is an urgent need for new effective educational technics; • The main focus is on understanding specific learning difficulties such as problems with reading (dyslexia) or doing math (dyscalculia) that are not obligatory confined by childhood; • However, biological testingto determine these conditions are currently not available, only behavioral one; • There is no definite rule that would establish abnormality, but some subtle markets and especially not on the individual level; • ADHD (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) studies; • Brain functioning depends on neurotransmitters (affect connections between brain regions) that determine the levels of excitation and self-control;

12. Adaptive learning technologies • Widespread implementation of special teaching technics is hardly affordable; • Modern technologies like mobile phones or laptops provide possibilities for targeting particular learning activities; • High quality digital targeting training may: • improve performance on specific task; • support self-paced learning; • facilitate the activity of people with sensory or physical deficits; • deliver opportunities for adult studies or learning after the retirement age

13. The role of cognition MRI • Functioning Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) and cognitive model • EXAMPLES: • Working memory; • Visualization; • The construction of meaning

14. Challenges • Critics: • Reductionist view • Determinist view • Inappropriate exploitation; • Interactions with other professionals

15. Thank you for your attention