Oregon Branch IDA Salem, Oregon “Cerebrodiversity In The Classroom-- Lessons From Neuroscience” Part 1 - Slides 1-32 Gordon F. Sherman, Ph.D. Newgrange School & Education Center Princeton, N.J. February 24, 2007

Themes Cerebrodiversity (from conception) Plasticity (bce ecb) It’s all about interactions Brain knowledge enables better teaching 1 = 10 Students have a new kind of brain/mind Critical thinking about science

“Just as the printing press…changed how knowledge works, we have hypothesized that these new digital media will have the same effect. It’s critical that we understand (digital media’s) benefits and its unintended consequences. There are implications for both of those for schools.” --Connie Yowell, MacArthur Foundation, Education Week, An Additional Focus

“If the human brain were so simple that we could understand it, we would be so simple that we couldn't.” --Emerson M. Pugh

“The human brain is estimated to have about a hundred billion nerve cells, two million miles of axons, and a million billion synapses, making it the most complex structure, natural or artificial, on earth.” --Green et al.

The Optimal Brain Does not exist Even that which scores 2400 Specific environment match Unique combination of strengths/weaknesses You use more than 10%

Expect Brain Differences Variance is fundamental General patterns exist All levels of structure-function Molecules, cells, neurochemistry, synapses, networks, memories, reward systems Cerebrodiversity

How Are Variation and Uniqueness Produced?

Brain Development Genes set limits and directions Brain shaped by encounters with external world (plasticity) Environment fine tunes the interactions of neurons/circuits/systems (CD) Incorporates early environmental interaction Power of parents, teachers, schools

Neuroplasticity Fetus has twice the number of neurons Lose 100 billion neurons Connect or die This is a good thing!

Environment Shapes Circuits Environmental sculptor Developmental dance Brain directs activities and activities shape the brain Feedback loop Plasticity Lifelong

Magical Mystery Illusion of unity/continuity (vision) Warm, moist, dark, quiet, electric No executive center or grandmother cell (BC)

Cerebrodiversity: An Emerging Model? Collective neural heterogeneity Unique way our brains function Genetically-guided early brain development and subsequent interactions with environment Learning differences/dyslexia Adaptive advantage/evolutionary asset Beyond the disability paradigm Timely/appropriate intervention

Profiles of Cerebrodiversity

Multiple Intelligences Logical- Mathematical Linguistic Spatial Bodily-Kinesthetic Musical Interpersonal Intrapersonal Naturalist Existential?

Why Is Cerebrodiversity Important? Diversity is basis of evolution through natural selection Ensures processing flexibility Maximizes learning opportunities Adapt to changing environments

< 1% of species are still in existence Humans have only been around for a brief period Not all existing behaviors or structures adaptive (belly button/ear lobes) Evolution

Natural Selection Primary mechanism of evolution Operates on diverse (+/-) hereditary traits Struggle among organisms for reproductive success (physical, behavior)) Leads to local adaptation (not advancement or progress) Improves fitness of populations Diversity is key!

Cerebrodiversity Results in Learning Differences This is a good thing! Must be clever to maximize results

How Can Cerebrodiversity Result in Learning Disabilities? It’s all about interactions!

Environments Interact with Learning Differences The environment can translate learning differences into severe learning disabilities Process Demands ( itedwwydhinad ) and educational structure Poorly designed instructional environments punish cerebrodiversity

Producing Cerebrodiversity Change the developmental trajectory of the brain Affect connectivity Increase specialization Dyslexia as an example

An Example of Cerebrodiversity

W. Pringle Morgan, M.D.

James Hinshelwood, M.D. ( )

Samuel Torrey Orton, M.D. ( )

Norman Geschwind, M.D. ( )

One Cause: The Environment Changed

Elevator/Taxi Definition of Dyslexia Brain-based Difference in processing information Affects ability to learn to read, write, and spell

If Dyslexia is an Example of Cerebrodiversity, then… the Brain Should be Different!

Classic histology Neuroimaging Brain Methods

Postmortem