Human%20Learning%20

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Human Learning Memory

• Siena Heights University
• Chapters 1 2
• Dr. S.Talbot

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Chapter 1 Perspectives on Learning

• Why is learning important?
• Definition of learninga ______-term change in
  mental ________ or representations as a result of
  ________.
• The role of behavior in learning.
• New behaviors
• Frequency of behaviors
• Speed of behaviors
• Complexity or intensity
• Changing behaviors

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Chapter 1 Perspectives on Learning

• Principles (the what) describe factors that
  result in effects.
• Fairly stable for similar circumstances.
• Theories (the why) explain the relationship
  between factors and effects.
• Based on data.
• Not facts.
• Change based upon information and perspective.

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• Evolution of Theories
• Structuralism (Wundt)
• Functionalism (Dewey)
• Behaviorism (Watson) early 1900s
• Social Learning Theories (Miller Dollard)
• Gestalt (1920s)
• Cognitive Psychology (Piaget)
• Social Cognitive
• Sociocultural Theory

1800s
Mid to late 20th century
Chapter 1 Perspectives on Learning
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• Advantages of theories
• Summarize or describe.
• Starting points for conducting new research.
• Explain.
• Provide the ability to predict outcomes.
• Allow for practical application in order to
  necessitate change.
• Sound familiar?

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Chapter 1 Perspectives on Learning

• Dangers or drawbacks to theories
• No single theory works for everything.
• Past theories affect or bias new theories.
• They can impede new thinking.
• Biggest danger.
• They are not ______. Give them their rightful
  credit, but nothing more.

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Chapter 2 Learning the brain

• Chapter 2

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Chapter 2 Learning the brain

• Central Nervous System (CNS) Brain and spinal
  cord
• Peripheral Nervous System All parts of the
  nervous system outside of the brain and spinal
  cord
• Somatic System Links spinal cord with body and
  sense organs controls voluntary behavior
• Autonomic System Serves internal organs and
  glands controls _________ functions such as
  heart rate and blood pressure

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Two Divisions of the Autonomic System

• Sympathetic Arouses body emergency system
• Parasympathetic Quiets body
• most active after an emotional event

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Neuron and Its Parts

• Neuron Individual nerve cell
• Dendrites Receive messages from other neurons
• Soma Cell body body of the neuron
• Axon Fiber that carries information away from
  the cell body
• Axon Terminals Branches that link the dendrites
  and somas of other neurons

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Nerves and Neurons

• Nerves Large bundles of axons and dendrites (Not
  neurons)
• Myelin Fatty layer of tissue that coats axons
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) occurs when myelin layer
  is destroyed numbness, weakness, and paralysis
  occur
• Neurogenesis Production of new brain cells

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Chapter 2 Learning the brain

• Sensory Neurons- bring incoming messages from
  sensory sites.
• Interneurons consider interpret the
  information which has been received.
• Motor Neurons send messages concerning the
  appropriate response.
• Glial Cells White Matter (the stuff in between)

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Synapses

• Messages from one neuron to another pass over a
  microscopic gap called a synapse
• Synapse Microscopic gap between two neurons over
  which messages pass

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Chapter 2 Learning the brain

• Neurotransmitters
• Chemicals that alter activity in neurons Brain
  chemicals that carry messages.
• Acetylcholine Activates muscles
• Dopamine Muscle control
• Serotonin Mood and appetite control
• Neural Peptides Regulate activity of other
  neurons
• Endorphins Released by pituitary gland also
  help to relieve pain
• Do not _____ messages.

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Chapter 2 Learning the brain

• Methods for brain research
• Animals
• Postmortem Studies
• Case studies of people with brain injuries
• Electrical recording (EEG)
• Neuroimaging
• PET
• CT/CAT
• SPECT
• MRI
• fMRI

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This simplified drawing shows the main structures
of the human brain and describes some of their
most important features. (You can use the color
code in the foreground to identify which areas
are part of the forebrain, midbrain, and
hindbrain.)
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Subcortex

• Hindbrain (Brainstem)
• Medulla Connects brain with the spinal cord and
  controls vital life functions such as heart rate
  and breathing
• Pons (Bridge) Acts as a bridge between medulla
  and other structures
• Influences sleep and arousal
• Cerebellum Located at base of brain
• Regulates posture, muscle tone, and muscular
  coordination

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Subcortex Reticular Formation (RF)

• Lies inside medulla and brainstem
• Associated with alertness, attention and some
  reflexes (breathing, coughing, sneezing,
  vomiting)
• Reticular Activating System (RAS) Part of RF
  that keeps the cortex active and alert
• Its alarm clock

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Parts of the limbic system. Although only one
side is shown here, the hippocampus and the
amygdala extend out into the temporal lobes at
each side of the brain. The limbic system is a
sort of primitive core of the brain strongly
associated with emotion.
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Cerebral Cortex

• Definition Outer layer of the cerebrum
• Cerebrum Two large hemispheres that cover upper
  part of the brain
• Corticalization Increase in size and wrinkling
  of the cortex
• Cerebral Hemispheres Right and left
• halves of the cortex
• Corpus Callosum Bundle of fibers
• connecting cerebral hemispheres

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Chapter 2 Learning the brain

• Brain Development
• Prenatal (5th 20th week, 50k 100k per
  second).
• Infancy and childhood
• Mylenation
• Synaptic Pruning
• Synaptogenesis
• Differentiation
• Middle Childhood, Adolescence, and Adulthood

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Chapter 2 Learning the brain

• Factors Affecting Brain Development
• Heredity
• Environmental factors
• Experiences
• Critical Periods
• Plasticity

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Chapter 2 Learning the brain

• Educational Implications
• Loss of synapse is inevitable and desirable.
• Many environments nurture normal brain
  development (enriching v. depriving).
• The early years are important for learning.
• No such thing as teaching to the right brain or
  left brain.
• Critical periods are important but are not
  definitive.
• Brain research can help us, but cant/wont tell
  us everything.

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Chapter 2 Learning the brain

• Questions Discussion
• Next Class
• Applied Behavior Analysis
• Instructional Objectives
• Computer Assisted Instruction
• Mastery Learning PSI