Environmental and Chemicals Factors

Dopamine
Learning & Memory

Some studies have shown that

memory and learning can be
adversely effected by diets that
contain high levels of saturated
fats.

Unsaturated fats such as Omega-3

fatty acids have been found to
have great benefits.

Studies in animals have shown

that diets without omega-3 fatty
acids lead to learning and motor
problems and may affect systems
that use dopamine and serotonin
in the frontal cortex (Chudler,
2001).

Dopamine

When we see changes in

the brain we see
changes in student
behavior for there is no
separation of the two.

When we see theses

changes in the brain a
robust condition of
learned helplessness is
evident such as
decreased amounts of
available serotonin and
dopamine_- the feelgood neurotransmitter
(Jensen, 2008).

Dopamine

Serotonin
Learning & Memory

The absence of Serotonin can

dramatically alter a persons
frame of mind and body.

A deficiency of serotonin can

affect our learning and
memory in the following
ways -->

We can eat a diet rich in

certain foods to keep our
serotonin levels up.

Serotonin is known to
regulate our temperature,
sensory perception, and
onset of sleep which can
affect memory and learning
adversely if ones levels are
low.

Serotonin

Acetylcholine
Learning & Memory

One of the brains own

chemical messengers
which are generally
called neurotransmitters
(Wolfe, 2010).

Acetylcholine improves
REM sleep, and has been
tangled in our memory
circuits.

The degeneration of
this neurotransmitter in
people with Alzheimers
disease helps explain the
memory loss that usually
accompanies this
disease (Restak, 1994).

Movement: Learning and

Neuroplasticity

Exercise and the learning process.

Exercise provides increase

oxygen flow to the bloodstream

Aerobic exercise seems to pump

even more blood throughout the
body, including the brain.

Exercise plays a vital role in the

learning process.

Another key benefit of physical

activity comes from the release
of protein IGF-1, which triggers
the release of brain-derived
neurotrophic factor, which, in
turn, stimulates neural growth
and learning (Cozolino, 2008).

Sleep: Learning and

Neuroplasticity

REM SLEEP
Rapid eye movement

NON-REM SLEEP

Brain waves are fast

Brain waves are slow

High frequency

Low frequency

Low amplitude

High amplitude

Consolidation is a major
factor in learning and
memory development ,
which is the process of
stabilizing a memory trace
over time, moving it from
short term to long-term
memory (Wolfe, 2010).

There are times during our sleep cycle when our brains are just as active as
when we are awake and problem solving.

Nutrition: learning and neuroplasticity

Nutrition and Pregnancy Student & Nutrition

Nutrition is vital for
growth and brain
development of the
fetus. Mothers who
consume a poor diet
are at a higher risk of
having babies with
mental retardation or
behavioral problems.

Studies have shown

that children who eat
a nutritious breakfast
had improved
significantly and
made greater gains
in math, reading, and
vocabulary than
those who did not
eat a well balanced
breakfast.

Nutrition & Brain

Development
When diets are eaten
with high saturated
fats memory and
learning are impaired,
however when diets
are eaten with low
saturated fats such
as cold water fish, flax
seeds, eggs, and
certain meats help
with hormone balance
and immune system
which are essential
for healthy brains.

 Technology: learning and neuroplasticity

There are both pros and cons related to technology today.

Technologies such as computers, iPad, and Assistive technology

has been a great learning tool for many of us. The iPad has
many application that can promote learning for the very young,
and beyond.

Television has been a long debated subject as to how much and

how long children should watch programs. Many feel as though
the television hinders learning and creates a lazy society.

Video games is another area of debate where some feel that

video games can promote team work and have these skills
transferable to other area of development, while other feel as
though violent videos can change the brain causing aggressive
thoughts, feelings, and behavior issues.

How can these environmental and

neurochemical factors be supported in
and out of the classroom?

Teachers can assist their students by promoting

good habits in and outside the class such as:

Nutrition.

Good night sleep.

Importance of Exercise.

Positive and safe atmosphere.

Technology that promotes learning that is free of

violence, and negativity.

Discuss the dangers of violent video games.

Use brain-based strategies that teach the child

based on his/her own intelligence(s).

References

Chudler, E. (2001). Neuroscience for Kids. Retrieved from: http://faculty.

Washington.edu/chudler/neurok.html.

Cozolino, L. (2008) The healthy aging brain. Sustaining attachment,

attaining wisdom. New York: W. W. Norton & Company.

Fischer , K. W., Immordino-Yang, M. H., & , (2008). The Jossey-Bass reader

on the brain and learning. (1st ed.). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

Jensen, E. (2008). Brain Based Learning. The New Paradigm of teaching.

2nd Edition.
Wolfe, P. (2010). Brain matters: Translating research into classroom
practice. (2nd ed.). Alexandria,VA: Association for Supervision &
Curriculum Development.

Restak, R. (1994). Receptors. New Your: Bantam books.