1. 20th Century Neuroscience There were remarkable breakthroughs in neuroscience during the later part of the 20th century. Probing the brain with new imaging tools, researchers explored the composition and function of specific regions of the brain. A general understanding of the differences between the right and left hemispheres emerged. Neuroscientists also concentrated on the role of the rear, temporal (side) and frontal areas of the brain. At the same time, educators investigated the implications of brain discoveries for learning.

3. Right Hemisphere —Generally processes information visually and holistically; intuitive process orientation; predominant control of the left side of the body

4. Occipital/rear lobe —responsible for vision

5. Temporal lobe (above and around the ears) —hearing, memory, language

8. The brain is connected.

9. The brain is plastic (or adaptable).

12. The incomprehensible number of possible connections between neurons and glial cells hints at the complexity of the human brain.

13. If there were only 100 neurons in the brain, and if 50 were required to form a functional network, there would be 1.00891 x 10 29thpossible combinations in a 50 cell connection. Imagine the possibilities when the number of neurons reaches tens of billions.

15. Networks of connected neurons are the cellular pathways of the brain.

16. We now know that the synapses which connect neurons begin to form within 15 minutes of encountering new material in an intentional or explicit learning situation. The initial connection continues to develop for approximately one hour.

18. Evolutionary Biology New Understanding, Old Brain It may seem paradoxical to follow a discussion of brain plasticity with reference to the limitations imposed by our physical inheritance from evolutionary ancestors. According to Yale University professor of psychology Paul Bloom, “There is a considerable mismatch between the world in which our minds evolved and our current existence. Our species has spent almost all of its existence on the African savanna…the life of a modern city dweller is an evolutionary novelty… (Paul Bloom, New York Times Magazine, 4/19/09, p.11-12)

19. What does this image suggest?

20. Reflection Recent research suggests that once synaptic links begin to form, the integrity of their connection is jeopardized if the brain encounters additional stimuli in the form of more new learning. In this regard, the brain works most efficiently if it forges one connection at a time until a basic pathway has been established. Here we have a powerful rationale for reflection. The initial synaptic connections need time to solidify, and the reflective pause allows them to do so, while other parts of the brain evaluate the new learning and route information to the appropriate place for storage and later retrieval.

21. “…(N)ew neural connections formed by the learning need time to fix and strengthen themselves without competition from additional novel stimuli. A simple walk around the block can provide such gelling time.” (Pierce Howard, Owner’s Guide to the Brain, p. 503) Accordingly, you will now participate in a reflective writing exercise to solidify the new information you have just encountered about the brain and learning.

22. Reflective Writing Reflective Writing Question: Think about the four principles of brain based learning—complexity, connectivity, plasticity and evolution. What are the implications of these principles for learning in a traditional school setting? Independent or individual learning?