Norma J.

Bouchard
EDU 417 Cognitive Studies Capstone
Instructor: Ciara Smack
July 21, 2014
As the brain develops, the most
important guiding principle is
the awareness of
neuroplasticity.

The brain is shaped not only
by its inherited genetic code
but also by the environment.
(Wolfe, 2010)
Acetylcholine-

1. Improves rapid eye
movement (REM) in sleep

2. Is excitatory

3. Inhibits heart rate




Learning
and
Memory
Dopamine-

1. Controls conscious motor activity

2. Improves feelings of satisfaction in
the brain

Learning
and
Memory
Serotonin-

1. Mood enhancer

2. Calms body and brain

3. Involved in memory, sleep, appetite
control, and body temperature


Learning
And
Memory
Theory

Exercise plays important role in

learning.

Increased oxygen to

blood brain.

Release of protein

Release of BDNF


Exercise plays a role in the generation

of new cells
Research


Our brain continues to grow more neurons






Exercise can induce neurogenesis
In the Classroom

Brain Breaks
Release pent-up
energy
Relevant to
learning
Improved test
scores

Out of the Classroom

Emotional well-being

Physical well-being
Theory
Parts of the brain
communicate with
each other
Memory is stored
Brain works through
the experiences of
the day.
Learning is actively
stored during sleep
Research
The amount of sleep
we need



Deprived sleep
results
In the Classroom

Inability to focus

Poorer academic
performance

Decrease level of
performance
Out of the Classroom

Hyped brain

Depression

Becomes chronic

Brain function visibly
altered in task
performance
Theory

Obesitys effect on
brain function

Benefits of Omega-3
fatty acids
Research

Pregnant mothers with
poor diet have children
with developmental
disabilities

First 2 years of life
brain needs proper
nutrition to grow

Breakfast is directly
related to increased
academics
In the Classroom
Improvement in
academics
Decreased rates of
absence and
tardiness
Improved attention,
working memory, &
episodic secondary
memory

Out of the Classroom
Less obesity-
healthier children
Increased dopamine
& serotonin
Increased well-being
& calmness

Theory

Technology on the
developing brain

TV & video games
can either enhance
or defeat learning
process


Research

Teaching children to
sign increases
vocabulary
development &
communication
ability

Link between TV
viewing & obesity

In the Classroom
Increases students
abilities
Increases
academic
performance
Enhances cognitive
skills
Out of the Classroom

Concern about
violence &
aggression

Suppressed emotions

Increased social
abilities
Remember

Brain Development =
Environment

Its not just
genetics!
We need to work
together!

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Cozolino, L. (2008). The healthy aging brain: Sustaining attachment, attaining wisdom. New Your: W.W. Norton & Company.
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www.psychologytoday.com/basics/dopamine
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Supervision & Curriculum Development.