Neuroscience of Learning

The brain is perhaps one of the most complex parts of the human body.  It is interesting to see how it works and how it assists humans in the learning process.  Learning, when viewed in relation to the brain can be defined as the changing structure and actions of neurons so they are allowed to hold information in long term memory in the temporal and parietal lobes of the cortex.  Learning requires neurons to change.  In order for learning to take place, it requires many neuron changes.  There are two major changes which include: (1) Changing the amounts of neurotransmitters that produce neurons and (2) Changing the connections between neurons.  Learning also requires neurons to make more, less and different transmitters.  Learning also requires neurons to make new links and delete existing links to other neurons.  As we can see, the learning process is much more complex than we can imagine.  Understanding the brain and how the learning process takes place is important.  It's important for teachers to understand the development of the brain and how the learning process begins at the brain.  How many of you thought that the brain played such a vital role in the learning process and what have you done to help youselves learn the brain's functions in how it relates to learning?

Motivational Theories Chapter 11

Motivation is a key factor in the learning process.  There are many different things that encompass motivation.  Two concepts I found to be interesting was intrinsic and extrinsic motivation.  Real quick, intrinsic is when you have the desire or are “inwardly” motivated to do something. Extrinsic on the other hand is something that causes you to be motivated such as rewards; in essence this could be described as “outwardly” motivation.  I strongly believe if a child’s motivation is intrinsic then the learning process becomes something that they want.  Don’t misunderstand, extrinsic motivation is also important but we must not focus on one forgetting the other.  I believe when a child receives outwardly motivation it helps them to learn but there is nothing more important that wanting to learn because that is a desire you have within yourself. I always motivate my children to do good in school.  I am constantly praising them and rewarding them when they do good but I always tell them that they need to be the ones to want it more than me.  I know most of you in this class are educators but I’d like to know as parent’s what do you do to motivate your kids to do good in school?  I read an article that parent involvement was key to a child’s success. Many times  parent involvement is overlooked so I’d really like to hear back from each of you on your thoughts about parent involvement/motivation.