What brain research tells us about learner differences

Group 2

Recognition, Strategic And Affective Networks

The recognition networks are specialized to receive and analyze information.The strategic networks are specialized to plan and execute actions.The affective networks are specialized to evaluate and set priorities.

Even a simple action like searching a picture involves a multi-step strategic process: Identify a goal Design a suitable plan Execute the plan Self-monitor Correct or adjust actions

Top-down and Bottom-up Processing

The top-down flow of information in strategic networks makes intuitive sense.it enables us to carry out a plan formed high up in the neural hierarchy.One source of bottom-up strategic pathways is the cerebellum within strategic networks, information travels not only down from cortex to the muscles but also up from the muscles to the cortex.Bottom-up processing refine mental patterns

Individual differences in strategic networks

When two people are confronted with the same problem but solve it using different cognitive strategies, the brain images reveal two very different patterns of activity. Top-down strategic processing: the ability

to watch someone else do something and then do it almost perfectly the first time.

Bottom-up strategic processing: achieve expertise only after lots of practice and feedback.

Example

One example of differences in strategic skills is a student in 5th grade , he has cerebral palsy. He uses a computer equipped with keyboard and voice recognition system. His teacher make sure assigned text is available in digital form so that he can navigate it on the computer. He makes sure that student has access to computer-based drawing and composition tools rather than just pencil and paper.

Affective NetworksAffective networks are distributed across many modules. Evidence of the distributed nature of affective networks comes from the selective deficits that result from disease or damage in specific locations within the brain.Some patients can express emotion but cannot recognize emotion in other peoples faces or voices.Affective networks operate in parallel. They process different kinds of emotional information simultaneously and communicate closely

Affect involves bottom-up and top-down processingBottom-up connections in affective networks ensure that we are emotionally responsive to the outside world.Top-down processing: helps us consciously calm ourselves through a variety of techniques such as breathing, refocusing attention and visualizing success.

Individual differences in affective networksBrain research has revealed that some affective characteristics are strongly associated with measurable neurological differences. Some students prefer to read in a quiet environment, others are comfortable reading in the middle of noisy activity.

Classroom ExampleMs. Abrams, an experienced 6th grade teacher describes kamla as a student who struggle with reading and writing, she appears disengaged from learning she is a talented athlete who practices her sport diligently and enthusiastically. Her teacher decides to bridge her interests in sports to academic tasks.