Prenatal and Lifelong Brain Development and Maturation
Structural Elements of the Brain
Neurons
(AKA Gray Matter)
Synapses
Myelinated Axons
(AKA White Matter)
The Developing Brain
Prenatal Period
The brain has more structural elements than it needs
After Birth
Brain size increase to about 90% of adult brain by age six
Early Childhood - Adolescence
Dramatic increase in synaptic connections between gray matter and white matter result in an explosion of brain growth
environmental factors
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Use It or Lose It!
Pruning is a process that continues after puberty. A developing child's experiences determine which synapses will be strengthened and which will not, laying the foundation for future learning and development.
Critical & Sensitive Periods
Without opportunities for sight during certain periods of infancy, brain will forever be visually impaired.
Critical Period
Time in which the brain requires certain environmental stimuli to organize its physical development.
A loving relationship with caretaker and early exposure to language are essential for healthy brain development.
Sensitive Period
Occurs at different times for different functions. Learning still occurs after the period closes, but it is less efficient.
Both periods influence later development. If there is insufficient or inappropriate stimulation during these times, it can lead to difficulties later in life.
Adolescence is the second period for exposure to high-quality social relationships.
Drinking alcohol during adolescence will likely lead to substance abuse later in life.
Experience Dependent Learning
As learners acquire knowledge, regions of the cortex develop specialization of function (different regions of the brain are associated with different functions). The neural connections that are created depend on the quality of environmental stimuli. Individuals' brains are different due to each person's habitual exercise of different regions in the brain.
There is no optimal period as experience dependent learning occurs across the lifespan. For example, not everyone learns to drive at 16 years old; someone can learn to drive at a younger or older age.
The Decline
Cognitive decline occurs when there are changes in cortical thickness and connectivity. These effects can be seen across the cortex of individuals older than 4o years of age.
Key Takeaways
Neuroscience helps improve teachers' understanding of the dynamic role between the brain and a person's environment and how they shape students' development and learning. Learning is based on experiences. Learning is incremental and continuous.
Teachers should present information in a variety of ways to help students learn that new information through incremental learning. By providing meaningful and enriching opportunities, in and out of the classroom, to practice new skills and knowledge learned will enable the brain to form connections.
