...Brain-Based Learning Kathleen Cercone, Housatonic Community College, USA Abstract Neuroscience research that explains how the brain learns is a dynamic field. Since the 1990s, there has been explosive growth in information about the neurophysiology of learning. A discussion of the neuroanatomy that is necessary to understand this research is presented first. Following the discussion of anatomy and physiology, current brain research is described, with particular focus on its implications for teaching adult students in an online environment. In addition, two instructional design theories (Gardner’s multiple intelligence and Kovalik’s integrated thematic instruction) that have a basis in neuroscience are examined. Recommendations founded on brain-based research, with a focus on adult education, follow, including specific activities such as crossed-lateral movement patterns and detailed online activities that can be incorporated into an online learning environment or a distance learning class (and faceto-face classroom) for adults. Comprehensive recommendations and guidelines for online learning design have been provided as suggestions for making maximum use of the brain-based principles discussed in this chapter. 701 E. Chocolate Avenue, Suite 200, Hershey PA 17033, USA Tel: 717/533-8845; Fax 717/533-8661; URL-http://www.idea-group.com ITB12510 INFORMATION SCIENCE PUBLISHING This chapter appears in the book, Enhancing Learning Through Technology edited by Elsebeth...
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...Within the skull lies the most complex organ known to mankind -- the human brain. With a mass of only 6 kilograms, the brain contains over 100 billion living cells and 1 million kilometers of interconnecting fibers; but, exactly how does it function? Marketing and sales managers would love to know why consumers are attracted to certain advertising, packaging and brands. Martin Lindstrom, author of Buyology: Truth and Lies About Why We Buy, explains the marketing challenge, “When we walk down an aisle in a grocery store, our purchasing decisions are made in less than four seconds…there is no way we can think about that in a complete way. Those decisions take place in the subconscious part of the brain” (2008). The drive behind neuromarketing is to discover how consumers are actually responding to marketing messages, not how they report they are responding, or will respond. Neuromarketing studies consumers' response to marketing stimuli and matches that response to different areas of the brain. This research will explore neuromarketing history, levels of the brain, neuroimaging techniques used, advertising effectiveness of neuromarketing and some challenges facing this new field. History In 1991, Dr. David Lewis-Hodgson, Minilab chairman and director of research, began Neuromarketing research in the United States, after stumbling upon it when he was researching treatments for phobic anxiety and stress (Lewis, 2010). Shortly after, marketers from large companies such as Coca-Cola...
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...Cerebrum Interprets sensory impulses arriving from sense organs and centers for initiating voluntary muscular movements. Stores information that comprises memories and helps reason. Intelligence and personality. Medulla Oblongata All ascending and descending nerve fibers connecting to the brain and spinal cord must pass through this area. Control vital visceral activities. Relay ascending impluses to the other side of the brainstem and then to higher brain centers Pons Relay impulses to and from the medulla oblongata and cerebrum. Ventral portion has large bundles of transverse nerve fibers, which transmit impulses from the cerebellum to centers within the cerebellum. Relay sensory impulses from peripheral nerves to higher brain centers. Maintain basic rythm of breathing Cerebellum Communicates with other parts of the CNS by means of three pairs of nerve tracts called Cerebellar puduncles. Brings sensory information concerning position of limbs, joints, and other body parts to the cerebellum. Sends correcting impulses to the midbrain. Reflex center for intergrating sensory information concering position of body parts and for coordinating complex skeletal muscle movements. Maintains posture. Thalamus Central relay station for sensory impulses ascending from other parts of the nervous system to the cerebral cortex. Receives all sensory impulses (except smell) and channels them to appropriate regions of cortex for interpretation. Produces a general awareness of certain sensations...
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...The article, “Neural Mechanism of Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Generation with Reference to REM-OFF Neurons In Locus Coeruleus” (Pal & Mallick, 2007), was researched in the study section of this unit and is discussed, as it relates to neuroanatomical structures. The reading stated that GABA is an amino acid, and denoted as the most important inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain (Carlson, 2013). Additionally, GABAergic can work on several areas of the neuroanatomical structure, for example, in the pontine reticular formation, where GABAergic REM-on Cells works with other neurons in ventrolateral preoptic area (VLPO) to inhibit monaminergic transmission (Carlson, 2013). Sundström Poromaa et al., (2003) support this view when they describe the GABA neurotransmitter as; “the GAGAergic system is a ubiquitous and primary mediator of inhibition the nervous system” (p. 24). Next, the two types of GABA neurotransmitters are discussed, as they relate to the reading in the next paragraph. From the literature review, two types of the GABA receptors were described, which are GABAB receptors and GABAA- receptors (Sundström Poromaa et al., 2003). Those two types of GABA receptors coincides with the reading in regards to ionotropic receptors, where the neurotransmitter directly produces a rapid opening of ion channels through the membrane, as well as a rapid ending (Carlson, 2013) or GABAA, as described in the article (Sundström Poromaa et al., 2003). In addition, the reading also submitted...
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...The Neuroanatomical, Neurophysiological and Neuropsychological aspects of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Abstract Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a psychiatric condition affecting about 2% of the population. Subjects with OCD typically suffer from recurring intrusive, unsettling thoughts and repetitive, ritualistic behaviors. This essay discusses the neuroanatomical, neurophysiological and neural psychological aspects of obsessive compulsive disorder. A range of studies have identified several regions within the brain thought to contribute to the disorder including the orbitofrontal cortex, important in reward based learning, the anterior cingulate cortex, important in error detection, the basal nuclei, involved in motor control, and the thalamus, involved in processing and relaying sensory information. These regions form part of larger neural circuits which could be responsible for the disorder. OCD causes a number of cognitive deficits in its sufferers, from problems in self-perception and regulation to memory and planning deficits. The Neuroanatomical, Neurophysiological and Neuropsychological aspects of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a psychiatric disorder thought to affect between 2% to 3% of the population (Koprivovaa et al., 2011) marked, as its name suggests, by recurrent intrusive thoughts which produce anxiety usually with repetitive ritualistic behaviors intended to reduce or neutralize this anxiety. Compulsive...
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...Advertisements are all around us, and they vary greatly in their attempts to attract consumers. Some ads highlight the product's features, while other ads' content seems to be completely unrelated to the product they're trying to sell. It's the latter type of ads that shoppers need to be most wary of, according to a new study. Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, and George Washington University focused on two different types of advertisements. The first type of ad, called "logical persuasion," or LP, presents facts about the product, such as, "This car gets 42 miles to the gallon." The second type of ad is referred to as "nonrational influence" (NI) because it circumvents consumers' conscious awareness by depicting a fun, vague or sexy scene that seems to have nothing to do with the product. In the study, researchers showed advertising images to 11 women and 13 men while recording the electrical activity in their brains using electroencephalography (EEG). Each participant viewed 24 ads that had appeared in magazines and newspapers. The ads contained either LP or NI images. LP ads showed a table of facts and figures in a cigarette ad and suggestions about selecting food for dogs on the basis of their activity level in an ad for pet food. The NI advertisements included a liquor ad featuring an image of beading water and a cigarette ad showing a woman leapfrogging over a fire hydrant that is spraying water as a man grins behind her. The researchers found...
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...The Brain The brain is split up into several different parts or structures in order to better understand how things are laid out and how they work. The simplest way to separate the different parts of the brain is into the forebrain and hindbrain, with the forebrain also being called the cerebrum, and the hindbrain being better known as the brain stem. The brainstem is best known to be in charge of involuntary and gross motor functions, such as breathing, muscle control, and digesting food. The cerebral cortex is in charge of more complex things such as thought and memory. Aside from this general way to split up the brain, it can be broken down further into five major structures, each with it’s own physiology and structures within it. These regions are the telencephalon, diencephalon, mesencephalon, metencephalon, and myelencephalon. The telencephalon sits at the top of the brain and is divided into two hemispheres, often referred to as cerebral hemispheres (Pinel, 2011). It is the biggest of the five major structures, and is in charge of the brain’s most complex functions (2011). Along with housing the structures that are in charge of memory and thought, the telencephalon is also the part of the brain that controls voluntary movement, taking in outside sensory stimuli, and facilitates complex thought processes such as retaining new information, processing language, and problem solving (Pinel, pg. 66, 2011). Within the telencephalon is the cerebral cortex. The cerebral cortex...
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...A computer carries out functions through electrical currents. Similar to our brain and body, the brain carries out functions through our nerves. The brain gets information, processes that information, and then sends it out to the rest of the body. A large amount of information is put out to the body through the spinal cord, telling the body to do voluntary and involuntary acts. The brain is broken down into three swellings with five structures, the forebrain consists of the telencephalon, and the diencephalon, the midbrain consists of the mesencephalon, and the hindbrain consists of the metencephalon and the myelencephalon. The three swellings of the brain are the forebrain, the midbrain, and the hindbrain. The forebrain is the anterior of one’s brain. The midbrain is the small central part of the brain stem. The hindbrain is the lower part of the brain stem that compresses the cerebellum, the pons, and the medulla oblongata. These three swellings develop as a person ages and becomes adults. The first structure of the forebrain is the telencephalon, which is the largest part of the brain and controls the most difficult functions. It controls the voluntary actions that the human makes, like the ability to learn, the ability to speak, and knowing how to solve problems. This structure also controls one’s level of intelligence, one’s personality, and begins able to smell, and touch. The telencephalon is made up of many structures, the cerebral cortex, major fissures, major gyri...
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...Mira LaVergne Mrs. Angie Herbert English II 14 March 2012 Chiari Malformation To say the human brain is complex is an understatement. Simply laughing requires help from five different areas of the brain. Nursing Assistant Central 4. Dr. Choug Bui’s procedure for Chiari Malformation is better because he uses the body’s own tissue instead of synthetic materiel. In the normal brain Attached to the brain stem is the cerebellum. It looks a lot like a cauliflower. The cerebellum controls movement and balance. It is important with the coordation of the body and the body’s equilibrium. The brain stem starts out at brain and continues throughout the body’s spine; which advent ally turns into the spinal cord. The brain stem is what makes the body alive. Its sends signals throughout the body, most importantly to the body’s main organs. It also regulates the body’s consciousness. The spine contains 26 bones, 24 are vertebrates. Vertebrates are the main part of the spine. The spine is divided into 5 parts: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacrum, and coccyx. When compared to the normal human brain, the Chiari Malformation is clearly different. This Malformation was discovered by Hans Chiari in 1819. Hewitt and Gabata 4. It is a rare, but serious neurological condition. Labuda 20. Chiari Malformation is where the cerebellum descends out into the spinal canal. Labuda 20. It is a progressive condition. Mayo Clinic Staff. It forms a lot of compression with cerebellum and the skull. “Chiari...
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...Lewy Bodies Dementia Ashley M. Paille Abstract. There are hundreds of brain disorders that affect the human brain every year. The diseases range from minor to much more severe. This research paper focuses on a complex disease called Lewy Bodies Dementia. This disease is a primary cognitive brain disorder that mimics a previously discovered disease known as Alzheimer’s. Lewy Bodies Dementia was discovered about a decade after Alzheimer’s. The disease is classified as either a degenerative disease or a neurodegenerative disease. Various factors throughout a person’s lifetime will influence the nature and severity of the degeneration of the brain. Signs and symptoms of the disease are extremely vague and often have the presentation of other known cognitive brain disorders. This disease is incurable and is often treated on a case by case basis. It is also treated by trial and error due to the intense side effects of the medications such as drowsiness and confusion. Recent treatments such as the medication, Levodopa, have been made available although they do not cure the disease but rather slow down the progression of the disease. Introduction. Nearly 80% of individuals with Lewy Bodies Dementia will also have brain changes consistent with Alzheimer's disease. (Galvin, Duda, et al., 2010) Secondary to this high statistic, patients are often diagnosed with a non-specific initial diagnosis of Alzheimer's. This diagnostic experience can become extremely frustrating. (Galvin...
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...The essay I chose to summarize is, “The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat.” In the story, author ,Oliver Sacks focuses on a man who has loss of brain function in certain areas. Sacks is a professor in neurology and has shared some stories of some of his most iconic patient experiences. Sadly, it focuses on a man named Dr. P who suffers behavioral consequences . The human brain is so unbelievably complex, it has the ability to control all we do. This story not only compels its readers to dive into the material to learn more of what he is faced with, but shows how unique the brain is and how it plays such a large part in our daily coherence. Sacks reveals the odd ways he observes and how he described what he see’s, as well as people he see’s. In the excerpt, the author describes his first encounter with Dr. P. How he observed things, as well as his reactions. Sacks starts off his story with a thesis statement that makes readers aware there is an issue with the main character people have yet to discover. He stated, “It was here, in relation to his students, that certain strange problems were first observed.” Dr. P was one of his patients who had an unusual cognitive disorder, no one could understand why things were the way he saw it. The build up of issues Dr. P is faced with, urged me to read at a rapid pace to figure out what it was! Reading about a first hand experience with someone who suffers a audiovisual disorder, really makes you think about different parts...
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...Can I live without my pons? The pons is the portion of the brain that lies above the Medulla Oblongata and below the midbrain as well as being anterior to the cerebrum (Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2012). In bipeds it can be measured up to 2.5cm in length. The pons links the cerebellum with the midbrain, the diencephalon, the cerebrum, and the spinal cord (Martini, Nath and Bartholomew, 2012). It is a horse shoe shaped mass of transverse nerve fibres, that act as the point of origin for four of the cranial nerves that transfer sensory information and motor impulses from the facial region and brain (Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2012). The main function of the pons is to relay sensory information to the cerebellum and thalamus, as well as to control the subconscious somatic and visceral motor centers (Martini, Nath and Bartholomew, 2012). The somatic motor system includes the voluntary control of the bodies’ movement via skeletal muscles where the visceral or autonomic nervous system provides the regulation of smooth muscle, cardiac tissue, glandular secretions and adipose tissues. In addition, it helps to manage arousal feelings and monitor respiration (Halepis, 2003). The pons is also responsible for regulating the level of consciousness and sleep, which is from raphe nuclei – which is found in the pons- which is type of neurotransmitter that is instrumental in meditating mood and sleep (Cullompton, 2012). The pons also has the ability to perceive and regulate pain....
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...Title: Midbrain Volume Increase in Patients with Panic Disorder I. Statement of the Problem The study aims to investigate structural abnormalities of the midbrain using magnetic resonance imaging and to determine if there is a clinical correlation between midbrain volume and clinical measurements in patients with Panic Disorder. II. Findings Relative midbrain volume was larger in the Panic Disorder group than in the Healthy Controls group. The relative volume of the dorsal midbrain was larger in the Panic Disorder group, while the volume of the ventral midbrain was not. Results showed a significant positive correlation between relative dorsal midbrain volume and total Panic Disorder Severity Scale score, and a significant negative correlation between relative dorsal midbrain volume and Global Assessment of Functioning score in the Panic Disorder group. Thus, these findings suggest that the dorsal midbrain is associated with Panic Disorder pathophysiology. The midbrain volume increase may reflect Panic Disorder severity. III. Implications to Biological Psychology Biological Psychology is essentially concerned with the relationship between psychological processes and the underlying physiological events, in other words, the mind-body phenomenon. This study between the midbrain volume and patients with panic disorder yielded a significant result. At the onset of this study the extent to which the midbrain is associated with Panic Disorder pathophysiology is unclear...
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...Observations: * Has difficulty forming new memories, although his memories from before the accident, such as those from childhood, appear to be unaffected. * Has difficulty feeling, expressing, and controlling his emotions since the accident, even when he is in a situation that should provoke an emotional response, such as learning his girlfriend was also injured in the accident. Other times Mark’s emotions seem to be exaggerated, especially when frustrated. * Reports making poor decisions and behaves impulsively on occasion. For example, he decided to throw a party for 75 people in his one bedroom apartment and he bought a new iPad although he has no money in his bank account. Mark’s behavior has become somewhat erratic and irresponsible. Forebrain Largest of the three brain divisions and the last to evolve. Contains many structures, such as the cerebrum (cerebral cortex), the limbic system, the thalamus, and the basal ganglia. The different parts of the forebrain help to control cognitive, sensory, and motor functioning. The forebrain also regulates temperature, reproductive functions, eating, sleeping, and the display of emotions. As you can see, the forebrain is pretty important to daily life. Thalamus Known as the "great relay station" because all sensory information is routed through the thalamus and relayed to the cerebral cortex for processing. When you taste a piece of pizza, your thalamus gets a taste too! Midbrain Smallest region of the brain...
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...The Brain Kelly Hart PSY/240 February 14, 2016 Pamela Reeves The Brain The brain is such a fascinating and complex area of the human anatomy. Let’s take a few minutes to learn about the five major structures of the brain, and what they do. As we begin, let’s take a look at the telencephalon first. The telencephalon is part of the cerebral hemisphere, located in the forehead, and is by far the largest division of the brain. The telencephalon, along with the help of the cerebral cortex, the basal ganglia, the hippocampus, and the amygdaloidal nucleus control an array of functions. The telencephalon is instrumental in promoting our language function, voluntary movements, takes in and assesses sensory input, and reconciles complex cognitive systems like learning problem solving, and as mentioned above, language. The basal ganglia located within the telencephalon and the diencephalon contributes to motor function. The hippocampus and the amygdaloidal nucleus located in the lower cortex, play an essential role in emotional expressions. The cerebral cortex brings the telencephalon, basal ganglia, hippocampus, and amygdalin nucleus together coordinating all their functions and maintain the memory of these functions. The diencephalon is divided into two elements: the thalamus and the hypothalamus. The diencephalon is located in the forebrain, and controls a lot of the autonomic functions (subconscious functions) of the peripheral nervous system. The thalamus is a two lobed area...
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