EDU-611-Concept Map

Chapter 2: Emotion and Movement

Emotion

"Emotion drives attention which drives learning, memory, problem-solving, and just about everything "

Emotions are the gatekeeper to learning and performance.

Emotions are a function of the entire body-brain.

Emotions filter incoming sensory input which then determines what the cerebral cortex attends to, how it is processed and then stored into long term memory.

The almond-shaped amygdala (located near the hippocampus). Once the amygdala receives info from the thalamus it then relays the info to the hippocampus about potential danger.

"The prefrontal cortex acts as the CEO of the brain"

When students are having anxiety or a real feeling of fear, the amygdala may begin its automatic response and hijack the brain.

Full sensory input from "being there" experiences allows students to look for novel solutions and take in sensory data from many sources.

Remember that when students are having anxiety they are unable to retrieve the information they need in order to answer a question. Remind them to breathe so their hippocampus is able to retrieve the info.

Two essential aspects within the classroom are absent of threat and the creation of a sense of community in order for students to be able to learn.

Movement to enhance learning

The mobility of the body grows the brain

Movement is the fundamental existence of a brain.

Movement is crucial to ever brain function such as memory, planning and executing plans, and emotions.

The amount of movement needed differs in genders. This mostly has to do with the retinas for each gender and how they see movement.

RAS

Reticular activating system

Filters the amount of sensory input

The body and brain form an inseparable learning partnership.

The environment of the body is critical

Emotions and gender differences

Girls are more likely to want to please adults with their work than boys.

Stress improves learning for males but impairs learning for females.

BDNF

Gives the synapses the tools that they need to take in and process, associate and put into context.