Course Reflection
Learning about neuroplasticity has given me a better understanding of brain development. I now know that it is important to teach children that they can “grow their brain.” I think it important for teachers to see each student as an individual with their own learning capabilities and capacities. Some students are seen in a certain learning profile, but understanding that all students can learn if they are in the right way for them is eye opening.
The traditional educational system does not really teach children to think, it teaches them how to answer. However I think the education system is changing more toward teaching students how to think critically and explain their answers. My daughter’s school does not use fill in the blank books any more, students are asked to explain why they think what they think and how they came up with answers. This is teaching students to ask questions and gain a deeper understanding of what they are learning.
Knowing the basic idea of how the brain functions and in particular the reticular activating system and attention helps me to look at each student and learn how to acquire their attention. Seeing that each learner’s brain has the same capacity for learning with the right activation shows me that all students have the same potential as long as they are engaged and interested in the learning. I will now find connections and scaffold learning appropriately for each student. Cognitive processes follow the same route, but ensuring each student is following the learning will be the challenge. I am excited to look at each student and find what will engage them and see how they will interpret what they are learning.