Business Publications

Brain Based Learning

Training & Development, July, 2000 by Ruth Palombo Weiss

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The brain is divided into two hemispheres called the cerebral cortex (commonly known as the conscious thinking center), covered in a thin skin of deeply wrinkled gray tissue, and separated by the corpus callosum. That curved band of white tissue acts as a bridge between the two halves, shuttling information back and forth at such a rate of speed that for all practical purposes the two hemispheres act as one. With the exception of the pineal gland, every brain module is duplicated in each hemisphere -- another of nature's creative duplication systems.

The areas lying beneath the corpus callosum make up the limbic system, the area that relates to the unconscious and yet profoundly affects our experience. Its job is to feed information upward to the conscious cortex. Emotions are generated in the limbic system along with many urges that direct our behavior and usually help in survival. Within this limbic system, are the

* thalam us. Directs incoming information to the appropriate part of the brain for further processing.

* hypothalamus and pituitary glands. Adapt the body to environment by constantly adjusting hormones.

* hippocampus. Involved in securing long-term memory.

* amygdala. Registers and generates fear.

Last, the brainstem carries information from the body into the brain and establishes general levels of alertness and such automatic tasks as breathing, blood pressure, and heartbeat.

A few additional terms are needed to understand the brain's physiology:

* neuron. The primary building block of the brain. Neurons carry electrical charges and make chemical connections to other neurons.

* axons. Long fibers (extending from the cell body) that transmit messages.

* dendrites. Short fibers (surrounding the cell body) that receive messages.

* synapses. Tiny gaps between axons and dendrites (with chemical bridges) that transmit messages.

* myelin. A sheath that serves as insulation and allows electricity to flow between the axons and dendrites

The definitions come from Mapping the Mind by Rita Carter.

For More About the Brain and Learning

* ascd.org

* brainconnection.com

* cainelearning.com

* dana.org

* 21learn.org

* newhorizons.org/blab.html

* thebrainstore.com

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josefklus

11/09/09 | Report as spam

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