Wow! That lady was animated, and I'm not just talking about her slide show! I thought it was really interesting how they have now developed virtual reality equipment to determine if someone playing sports has incurred brain damage. It also is amazing how the damage can take a long time to heal, long after the immediate symptoms are gone. It just makes me wonder how much we don't know about the brain, even with all of our up-to-date technology.
Clearly the hippocampus plays a huge role in brain development. Without memories being laid down and recalled, we wouldn't be able to build our skills or knowledge. It is unfortunate for those kids who aren't exposed to the "Basics" early in life and then can't really build on them in their later years. As teachers, we have to consider how we would try to reach those students and help them to catch up on what they might have missed out on. As a secondary teacher it seems to me that I will deal less with students who have fallen behind, because by high school those kids might have just given up if they weren't given the proper help and guidance. All teachers have the responsibility to spend time with students and help them to gain knowledge, no matter what level of development they are at.
If you want to learn more about the information that was presented go to http://www.loni.ucla.edu/~thompson/DEVEL/PR.html
The third and final stage of development is from ages 12-18. As a high school teacher we are still responsible for that last part of brain development.
ReplyDeleteAs high school teachers, I think we have a big responsibility to make up for those kids who have given up on academic success. We need to have the ability to inspire and create that motivation again.
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