What is learning? How would you define it? Are there different types of learning? How do you learn new facts? New skills? Is all knowledge due to a conscious processes, or is some knowledge acquired by unconscious processes? Brainstorm…

Neurological Function Theories Plasticity- - The changing of neurons, the organization of their networks, and their function via new experiences. Compartmentalization- - Sections of brain are specialized to perform specific tasks- includes implicit & explicit learning.

Explicit vs. implicit learning chart Medial Temporal Lobe Neocortex Striatum Amygdala Diencephalon Cerebellum- Sk. Musc.

H.M. and Implicit Learning H.M. is a famous patient who had part of his brain removed and was no longer able to form new memories. When performing tasks, such as mirror tracing, he was able to improve over time. This result shows that he was capable of some types of implicit learning or “motor memory”

Implicit v. Explicit Learning

Bean Bag Toss Experiment For each trial, record the following: Student: _______________ # beanbags in bucket w/out goggles: ___ # beanbags in bucket w/ goggles: ___ # beanbags in bucket after wearing goggles: ___ Notes: __________________________________ __________________________________

HW Questions: 1.Explain which part of each trial demonstrated explicit and implicit learning – use evidence for your reasoning. 2. Which portions of the brain are believed to be responsible for these two types of learning? 3.Can explicit learning lead to implicit knowledge? Provide two justifications for your conclusion. 4.In your opinion, does this experiment support the brain plasticity and compartmentalization theories? Why or why not?