MLE 5110 Brain Development Dr. Richard A. NeSmith

The Brain Connection These neurons make connections with other neurons through _______, a point at which ________ impulses pass from one neuron to another (via _______________). Dr. Richard A. NeSmith

Synapses Dr. Richard A. NeSmith

The Brain Connection The more stimulation children receive... in their environment, the more they can _______ with the things around them. the more ________ connections made. the more _________ that are formed. Dr. Richard A. NeSmith

Neurons ________ create the connections themselves. Cannot ______ themselves. And the ______ of connections is the essence of _______. Dr. Richard A. NeSmith

Learning ________ connections “grow” and form more connections just from the process of _______ _______… It does not matter to the brain whether the answer is _______ or not! Feedback keeps the brain _____-_________ but it is the process rather than the one correct response that matters. Dr. Richard A. NeSmith

Learning At birth each neuron has approx. _____ synapses At 2 years of age, there are approx. _______ synapses. The process of ________ coating the neuronal connections _____ ___ the signals enormously. Dr. Richard A. NeSmith

Early Brain Development Dr. Richard A. NeSmith

Enhancement vs. Extinction Neural connections are maintained and strengthened by _________ _________. …lost by ______ of activation. “Use it, or _____ it!” The environment you provide your students must be one that allows them to have _________ with highly ___________ materials and ideas. Dr. Richard A. NeSmith

Rats raised with toys and other stimuli grow ____ percent more _____ than rats deprived of such stimuli. Dr. Richard A. NeSmith

The process of forming new neuronal connections is ____ ______ during ________. Even young children who have experienced extensive _____ _______ have adjusted. Some believe that logical-________ intelligence must peak early in young adulthood. Dr. Richard A. NeSmith

You are teaching at a person’s most _____ ____ of brain development. Every day in the classroom must be a day of _____ _________ for each child. Dr. Richard A. NeSmith

Various Parts of the Brain 1. ___________ – recalls recent experiences/new info 2. ________ – emotional responses 3. Frontal lobes of _______ – problem solving, planning, understand behavior of others, restrain our impulses Dr. Richard A. NeSmith

Left Side of the Brain Dr. Richard A. NeSmith

Various Parts of the Brain 4. ________ areas – hearing, speech, & language 5. _________ – balance, body movements, coordination, muscles 6. _______ ______ – transfers info from one side of brain to the other. Dr. Richard A. NeSmith

Brain Organization & Specialization The cerebrum of the human brain is divided into two halves by a deep fissure creating the ____ & _____ hemispheres. Left hemisphere controls the ______ side of the body, & vice versa. Dr. Richard A. NeSmith

Left Hemisphere Controls _______ abilities (spoken & written language), and positive emotion. Acts as a “serial processor” that processes data in a _________, analytical manner. Dr. Richard A. NeSmith

Has more to do with ____, ________, and ______ thinking. Left Hemisphere Has more to do with ____, ________, and ______ thinking. Comprehends _____ (sentence structure) & ________. Dr. Richard A. NeSmith

Right Hemisphere Controls _____ & _____ info, as well as negative _______, such as distress. Acts as a _______ processor that processes data in terms of _______ and _______. Dr. Richard A. NeSmith

Has more to do with musical and artistic __________. Right Hemisphere Has more to do with musical and artistic __________. Better at figuring out a story’s ________ and _________. Dr. Richard A. NeSmith

The two ___________ are connected via the corpus callosum. Brain Lateralization The specialization of the two hemispheres is known as _____ ___________. The two ___________ are connected via the corpus callosum. Dr. Richard A. NeSmith

The two must work together as _____. Brain Lateralization The two hemispheres begin to specialize in function by ___ __ (some believe before birth but not complete until adolescence). The two must work together as _____. Dr. Richard A. NeSmith

Brain Lateralization Some research suggests that children with reading problems do not show normal __________ ________. Dr. Richard A. NeSmith

Neuron Specialization _____ _____ “commit” to a _____ function by a specific age…thus, injuries early in life can be remedied to some degree…but not so after __________ occurs. Dr. Richard A. NeSmith

For example: By __ years of age, children tend to show a hand preference, possibly showing indication of a more _______ hemisphere. Hand preference determined by age __. Dr. Richard A. NeSmith

Perceptual Development _______ perception Taste, smell, & _____ These are often referred to as the _________. Dr. Richard A. NeSmith

Habituation A _________ in response to a stimulus after _________ exposure to it. Dr. Richard A. NeSmith

Onset of Puberty Defined: period in which a young person become ______ of ______ ___________. For females this is referred to as “________”, due to the beginning of the menstrual cycle. Dr. Richard A. NeSmith

Causes of Puberty Onset of hormones: ___________ (anabolic steroids!) Levels controlled by the _______ _____ which is under the control of the ____________ (human thermostat) Dr. Richard A. NeSmith

Increase in hormones produces: _______ sex characteristics Changes in _______ (testes & ovaries) ____________ of egg and sperm Dr. Richard A. NeSmith

Increase in hormones produces: ________ sex characteristics Changes in genitals & breast Growth of “______” hair Dr. Richard A. NeSmith

When Does Puberty Begin? Girls can begin well before the age of ___ ___% white females; ___% African Americans started by age 8! The avg. age of onset of menstruation has changed little…12.8; 6 mo. earlier for African Americans. Dr. Richard A. NeSmith

When Does Puberty Begin? Boys tend to mature __ years behind girls. Dr. Richard A. NeSmith

Factors Influencing the Onset of Puberty _____ – better _____ mean earlier maturating and _____ sized adolescents Teenagers need to be told that _________ Dr. Richard A. NeSmith

Effects of Early Maturation Can cause _______ consequences for girls. Timing difficulty; “out of ____” …no one likes to be singled out. Treated differently by _____. Dr. Richard A. NeSmith

General Effects of Early Maturation Enhances relationships at first, then tends to lead to ____ self-esteem, poor ____-image, _________, anxiety, & _______ disorders. Dr. Richard A. NeSmith

Early maturing girls are likely To be “________” than their classmates. To choose to associate with _____ peers. To have problems in school later on To experience early _______ ___________ Dr. Richard A. NeSmith

Early maturing girls That choose to associate with peers their own age are ____ likely to experience long-term _____ adjustment problems. The effects of early maturity are partly due to the ______ girls choose to keep. Dr. Richard A. NeSmith

Early maturing girls The effects of early maturity in girls are less likely to be found when girls attend _____-____, instead of coeducational, schools. Dr. Richard A. NeSmith

Effects of Early Maturation on Boys Tends to produce _______ affects, during school years, for boys. ________ self-esteem, favorable self-image, fewer psychological problems, & higher peer ____________. Dr. Richard A. NeSmith

Effects of Early Maturation on Boys Is treated more ________ by adults than peers. Can become at-risk for engaging in _________ or antisocial behavior if choosing to affiliate with _______ peers. Dr. Richard A. NeSmith

Effects of Early Maturation on Boys Ironically, Early maturing males tend to be more _________, more traditional & less _______ after high school. ______ maturing males tend to be more _______ and better able to ______. Dr. Richard A. NeSmith

Special Health Concerns Eating disorders: _________ (10-15%) Teenagers need to be told that potato chips, French fries, and pizza are NOT a main course! _______ ______ (lose between 25-50% of their body wt.) _______ nervosa – eating binge with “________” (1-3%) Dr. Richard A. NeSmith

Special Health Concerns Substance abuse: Defined – frequent or excessive use of a drug. Three most common: 1) ________, 2) ______, & 3) __________. Individuals who initiate smoking in adolescence have a likelihood of _________ to smoke into adulthood. Dr. Richard A. NeSmith

Special Health Concerns Adolescent Sexuality & Pregnancy Depression & _______ Depression is an ________ disorder. ___-___% report mild feelings of depression; ___% are severely depressed. Teenagers need someone to ____ to them. The question is, will you??? Dr. Richard A. NeSmith