November 10 Morning Session

NeuroScience of Learning

In order for learning to be achieved, the Neurons and their Links need to be reshaped. The reshaping of the Neurons could lead to a release of Dopamine that give stimulus to the body. Memory consists of 3 aspects: Memory related to the sensory organs, Working Memory applied to the Thinking Process and the Long Term Memory. There is a constant feed back and forth between Working Memory and Long Term Memory. There is also a feedback from Working Memory to Sensory Memory.

A poor learning methodology involves a situation where there is no intrinsic reward/value to what one is being exposed to. Effective learning involves only 2 aspects surrounding the human condition: Reproduction and Nutrition (Sex and Food). A light-hearted discussion involved the use of drugs as fooling the brain into thinking it is getting either or both.

Effective learning methodologies involves: Repetition of Information, Excitement during Learning, Eating Carbohydrates during learning (I guess Pizza would qualify here) and the use of sleep immediately after the learning application. There is evidence to indicate that Novelty enhances the learning experience and makes it stick. Also, crisis enhances the learning experience and makes it stick.

As far as the genders are concerned, there is evidence to indicate that men only use the right side of the brain. According to evidence, Women use both sides of the brain hemispheres.

At one time, it was thought that the older one becomes, the more difficult learning will be. This is not the case as there is no difference in learning and comprehension between young and old. Neurons do regenerate in all ages and supports the idea of becoming a life-long learner. There is evidence that links the timing of the learning experiences such as the ideal time to teach language, speech, etc… These favor a younger age group than an older one.

There are cultural and gender specific effects of the learning experiences. The presenter was from France and stated that he thinks and acts differently when speaking in French than he does when he speaks in English. The acceleration of the learning process can be achieved thru emotion and other mechanics. This is why the telling of stories and the singing of songs is so relevant throughout all cultures.

In reference to traditional and collaborative learning situations, there is evidence to where one is to be preferred over the other. Evidence shows that a traditional student to teacher direct classroom experience is most effective when learning basic skills. Once these basic skills are learned, then a collaborative learning experience is preferred such as social learning, Distance Learning, etc…

For older people, the motto: Teach Less, Learn More seems to be effective since learning is effective for this age group when provided in “small chunk” forms.