Introduction to the Anisa Model Dan Jordan July 1981 Lecture 4A A Science Update

Science of Education Need educators to perceive, think, and act like scientists Should behave like loving human beings, too Must have an active curiosity

A Science Update New type of neuropsychological test –Predicts academic success –Univ of Washington –Females superior in verbal reasoning, language, serial matching tasks –Males superior in spatial memory and motor skills –Similar findings from other studies –Genes vs culture; likely combination –Brains are structured differently

A Science Update New type of neuropsychological test –Found neurological foundations for learning difficulties –Boys at developmental disadvantage with respect to early education levels –Brain hemisphere research shows some boys have spatial processing in both sides of the brain (most people use right side) –Dyslexic boys seem to prefer spatial processing for learning to read whereas normal readers use a phonetic analysis

A Science Update New type of neuropsychological test –Insensitivity to these factors enhanced the likelihood of a child being placed in classroom in which developmental capacities will be overlooked –School curriculum can create disabilities out of developmental differences –Be extremely cautious in evaluating differences –Optimize learning at optimum rate –Curriculums learn towards left brain activities –Note: need to have measurable desired outcomes for right brain development

A Science Update Nutritional imbalances –Learning disorders arising from nutritional imbalances –Abnormal biochemical profiles related to learning problems Many have excess copper Food allergies Benjamin Feingold – acetylsalicylic acid –Brain allergies –Why Your Child Is Hyperactive –See: Alexander Schauss –See –Relationship to delinquency

A Science Update Nutritional imbalances –Anisa model recommends multiple tests for nutritional status assessment Blood tests Urine analysis Glucose tolerance Hemoglobin test SMAC 24 test Amatoxin exam

A Science Update Brain structure -- Two halves Cortex (outer coating) –Contains between 12 and 14 billion neurons –Makes possible higher functions of reasoning, planning, predicting, definite consciousness –Each cells stores an electrical charge; discharges what is stored every few seconds –Electrodes can pick up firings –Different states of consciousness create different wave patterns

A Science Update Brain structure -- Two halves Cortex (outer coating) –Investigation of relationship between brain patterns and insights –Questions assumption that insight is right brain activity –Comes from processing in both sides of the brain –See: Huitt, W. (1992). Problem solving and decision making: Consideration of individual differences using the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. Journal of Psychological Type, 24, Retrieved December 1999, from

A Science Update Brain structure -- Two halves Cortex (outer coating) –Biofeedback learning — Jean Malay Alpha, beta, theta, delta waves See: Brain wave synchronization across hemispheres lead to insights Focus mind on the fact that synchronization has occurred, it immediately goes In Anisa model attention is first process underlying volitional competence (get control over attentional faculties)

Development of the Anisa Model Statements about the nature of man –Parmenides –Plato –Alfred North Whitehead Experiences at Oxford, University of Chicago