Web Resources for Professional Development and Productivity

1. http://www.4teachers.org/

2. http://pd.altec.org/

3. http://www.emergingedtech.com/free-productivity-resources-for-teachers/

4. http://www.education.state.mn.us/MDE/EdExc/ProDev/index.html

5. https://k12teacherstaffdevelopment.com/tlb/select-your-state-below-to-get-started/minnesota/

The Developing Mind part 2

MIND: REGULATION AND CONSCIOUSNESS 

- When looking at the mind I was very surprised to learn that there are at least three dimensions. Scientists have defined the first core feature as the mind regulatory function that governs the flow of energy and information. The second core aspect of the mind is phenomenon of being aware, of having an internal sense of knowing that is part of what we call "consciousness". The third aspect of our mind is our subjective internal life, which shapes our sense of self and our connections to others in the world. 

- When looking at regulating energy and information flow its cool how we use it in ways that we had no idea. If you look in the book they use the example of driving a car, how you use your eyes to alter the speed and direction to which you are going. This is something that we take for granted everyday without knowing what goes on to make all of these things possible. 

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The Developing Mind

Who knew that there was so many different ways of looking at the brain and that each independent field could be combined into something the author refers to as "consilience". The definition used in the book, "A core aspect of the mind is an embodied and relational process that regulates the flow of energy and information." 

IPNB (interpersonal neurobiology)
- embraces everything from our deepest relational connections with one another to the synaptic connections we have within our extended nervous system.
- seeks to create an understanding of the interconnections among the brain, the mind, and our interpersonal relationships. 
- encompasses the interpersonal power of cultures and families, as well as insights into molecular mechanisms
***IPNB is an incredible term that is used to draw on a full range of scientific disciplines. It is a term that is used quite often and seems to cover a wide range of things in the brain. 

**What is even more amazing is that our brain does not stop developing even after we pass childhood and adolescence.***

- It is so interesting that scientist have viewed energy and information flow as mind, brain and relationships. The brain is the embodied neural mechanism shaping that flow, relationships are the sharing of the flow of energy and information. It is truly amazing how scientists uncover how information is moved throughout the brain and how we process it. 

- Integration: It is very interesting to know that relationships early in life may shape the neural structures that create representations of experience and allow a coherent view of the world. Throughout many different texts that I have read there is so much research on this very topic that it would be flowing out your ears. I think many of us have learned that early experiences have a very profound impact on how you view the world!! 

***LOOK BACK ON THE BLOG: THE TARGETED BRAIN FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE BRAIN STRUCTURES ITSELF***

.- When you get to page 20 of the book, I was impressed by the degree of which the author takes when using your hand to describe the brain. He sates that if you make a fist with your thumb bent toward the center of your palm, and your fingers curled around it and resting on the lower part of your hand, you'll have a model of the brain. 

The Brain-Targeted Chapter 2

- I am writing this chapter's reaction with more notes and facts than anything so I can remember the parts of the brain. -

BRAIN FACTS:
- 3 pounds
   - 78% Water
   - 10% Fat
   - 8% Protein

BRAIN CELLS: NEURONS & GLIAL CELLS
*Neurons are nerve cells that receive and transmit information to the other cells through electrochemical signals. This process is essential for the essence of brain functioning.

*Glial cells account for more than half of the brain's volume and far out number neurons. This cells provide structurual support to the neurons.

CEREBRAL ORGANIZATION
*Hindbrain: Consists of the pons, medulla oblongata and cerebellum.

*Pons & Medulla Oblongata: These functions control autonomic functions such as respirations, heart rhythm and states of consciousness. They also control sensory information.

*Cerebellum: This part of the brain contains approximately 11 billion cells, that control important motor and sensory functions.

 

*The Limbic System: Consists of the thalamus, hypothalamus, hippocampus and amygdala.

 

*Thalamus: This part serves as the traffic cop, directing information received from the sense to other parts of the brain for further processing.

 

* Hypothalamus: This part serves as a relay station as it monitors information coming from the autonomic nervous system.

 

* Hippocampus: This part holds memories of the immediate past and serves to consolidate memories into the long-term memory system.

 

* Amygdala: This part is mostly associated with emotional states and processes. It is especially involved in our response to fear.

 

 

 





*The Cerebrum: This is the largest area of the brain and it is divided into hemispheres.

 

* Occipital Lobe: This part perceives and processes visual stimuli and their properties.

 

* Temporal Lobe: This area specializes in processing spoken language.

 

* Parietal Lobe: This area is responsible for processing sensory information such as pain and body temperature.

 

* Frontal Lobe: This area deals with executive functions such as planning, carrying out actions and inhibiting responses. 



The Brain Targeted pgs.1-26 Important Themes

Reflecting on important terms in this section:

1. Plasticity: term used to explain how the brain is modified with experience.
2. Neurogenesis: production of new cells in certain brain regions.
3. Executive Function: basic cognitive processes that underlie on-going, goal-directed behaviors and higher-order thinking skills.

One of the most important areas that I really think is important is the use of creativity in the classroom. Even with the amount of curriculum that is pushed on students, I think as educators it is important to find new and creative ways to teach our students. By making the classroom a creative place, I believe that we can expand children's creative thinking and problem solving skills. 

That leads me to believe that more art programs should be used in our schools. According to the text, research has reported that there is a tight correlation between the study of arts and improvement in attention and various cognitive abilities.

The Brain-Targeted Pgs.1-26 Neuro-Myths

Neuromyths:

When looking at neuromyths, I found it absolutely astonishing how many myths are out there and how many we believe. I think one of the biggest reasons that we come to believe so many of these myths such as "listening to Mozart will make your baby smarter" is because many companies are talking us into it. For example, look at the Baby Einstein series where they promise the parent that their baby will get smarter from listening to their DVDs. In this particular example, you want your baby to be smart so you buy what everyone is raving about and hope that it works. 
 

I must admit that I was one of those Mom's too and I don't think it made my child any smarter than she is today. I fell into that gap where other mom's were recommending it so I purchased it too.

Teaching to other's learning style was another very believed myth when I was growing up. We would take placement type tests to see what kind of learning style worked best for us and than try to gear our own study practices to this style. According to the text 90% of people were in belief that this was how educators should be finding out how to teach their students and should gear their teaching to those styles. How could ONE educator do that for classrooms that were pushing 20 different students?? I don't think it was ever possible but more of a plan for companies to obtain more money on selling products to teachers to help in this journey.