Brain Fact # 8

What is learning and how does it occur?

Dr. James Zull (a noted neurologist and teacher at Case Western University) answered.

What is learning?

“Learning is physical. Learning means the modification, growth and pruning of our neural networks, through experience.”

 

How does learning happen?

“There are 4 stages in the “learning cycle”:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Stage 1: We have a concrete experience.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Stage 2: We develop reflective observations and connections.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Stage 3: We generate abstract hypotheses.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Stage 4: We actively test those hypotheses.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         In the fourth stage, we have a new concrete experience, and a new learning cycle ensues. In other words, we get information (activating the sensory cortex), make meaning of that information (in the back integrative cortex), create new ideas from these meanings ( in the front integrative cortex) and act on those ideas (in the motor cortex). I propose that there are four pillars of learning: gathering, analyzing, creating and acting. Learning in this way requires effort and getting out of our comfort zones. A key condition for learning is self-driven motivation, a sense of ownership, to feel in control, to feel that one is making progress, is necessary for this learning cycle to self-pertetuate.

CLASSROOM TIPS for SPECIAL NEEDS STUDENTS

Many children have problems with their “executive functions”. Executive Function is a term for the mental process that goes on in an individual’s brain that serves as supervisory role in the person’s thinking and behaviour. It allow the child time to create a mental master plan to be able to accurately predict the outcome of possible responses to the challenges that arise and then make a wise choice.. Children with ADHD often have significant problems with the executive functioning. They react too quickly without thinking of the ramifications of their actions.

 

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