The trend, theory, effective practice
Results of brain research
- Behavioral experiments
- Post mortem studies
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
- Magentoencephalography (MEG) - used to show pictures of the working brain
How do we know what we know?
Notes:
Behavioral experiments, Post mortem studies of human brains, Studies of brains other than humans, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - displays living brain at various stages; Positron Emission Tomography (PET) - used to study brain chemistry; Magentoencephalography (MEG) - used to show pictures of the working brain Earlier Brain Research: In the past, the focus of brain research was the behaviorist model; the study of the brain based on the subjects outwardly projected response to stimuli. This type of study was limiting because one could not see inside the brain of the live person to see how the brain was functioning and because subjects had free will to behave as they wished, not always producing an accurate response.
The New Brain Research: 1990s the decade of the brain, CT scans (computerized tomography) this type of scan uses x-rays to produce images of the structure of the brain.
- PET (positron emission tomography) shows images of activity in the brain during different activities and illustrates which areas are being used.
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) produces images of the brain using radio signals to show changes in the brain as it functions. A picture of the entire brain can be produced once every second.
- MRI (functional MRI) rapidly scans images of the brain by measuring blood flow. Can produce images at such a high rate that the result is like a movie of the brain performing various tasks.
The Future of Brain Research: Neuroplasticity the process in which the brain constantly reorganizes itself as it accepts new information.
Findings from research on brain research:
1.Brain changes physiologically as a result of experience.;
a. Environment determines to a large extent the functioning ability of an individual;
b. Brain can change structure/function in response to external experiences;
2. Emotion influences learning.
a.Daniel Goleman & Joseph LeDoux (separately) contribute to our understanding of the role of emotions in learning
b. When brain recognizes an experience as useful, more of what is learned is retained
i. Positive emotion facilitates that recognition
ii. Learning shuts down when experience is perceived as threatening
c. Create an emotionally positive/engaging environment or compromise learning
3.Intelligence is multiple
a. Disputes long-held single general intelligence.
b. Adds to the traditionally recognized intelligences of verbal-linguistic, logical-mathematical intelligences
c. Adds other intelligences such as interpersonal and naturalist
i.These can serve as a foundation for better instruction & deeper emotional engagement of the learner