Category:The Biology of Learning Handout

Biology of Learning Neuroscientists have figured out a lot about how the brain works in the time since fMRI was invented. A developmental molecular biologist named John Medina has summarized many of these findings as they relate to learning in a book and multimedia site entitled Brain Rules.

Many of Medina’s rules impact how well an individual learns.

We know for sure that: • Exercise boosts brain power.

• Insufficient sleep retards executive function and working memory, as well as mood, quantitative skill, logical reasoning, and motor dexterity. Get your sleep or act stupid.

• Emotional stress severely impacts both learning and productivity.

Other rules outline how we humans sense the world. • We are 'sight' mammals to whom pictures mean more than words.

• Multiple senses trump single-sense learning, but vision trumps them all.

• Mirror neurons: we recognize and imitate.

Yet other rules explain the ingredients of an optimal learning experience.

We learn best: • when we are paying attention.

• in chunks of no more than 10 minutes. Narrative is powerful.

• when the big picture comes first, and then the details are filled in.

• when emotionally involved.

Learning strengthens connections: circuits fire together and wire together!

Brain oxygen/blood supply and the integration of new neurons into neuronal circuits are both reinforced by exercise. This is one of the strongest 'brain rules' and is also described in Spark by John Ratey.

Note: Heart rates should be monitored and can be adjusted (kept from going too high or increased) by changing arm positions during the squat or jump. Also, there are Tabata apps for your iPhone to help keep track of the timing intervals!
 * To start to take advantage of these findings, some Champittet Biology courses have begun trying 'Tabata' exercises, as John Ratey mentioned in a seminar. Tabata is a quick and high intensity aerobic method (20s 'on' 10s 'off' for 8 repetitions, just 4 minutes!), that can also be used to help increase attention! A 'squat' and 'jump' sequence works well for limited spaces, like behind a classroom desk.

• You can try it during a study break, or when you just feel sluggish!

Internet Sources:

http://www.brainrules.net/ http://www.informl.com/2010/06/13/brain-rules-learning/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-intensity_interval_training