Transcript Secrets of the Teenage Brain - Ottawa

~ Secrets of the Teenage Brain ~
Strategies for
Reaching & Teaching
Today’s Adolescents
Based on author
Sheryl Feinstein’ book
Teen Brain > Under Construction
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The adolescent brain is going under significant
growth, only comparable to the first 3 years of
life when complex skills like walking and speech
are mastered
Short-term memory increases 30% during
adolescence
The activities teens invest their time and energy
in influence what activities they will do as adults
Neurons
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Neurons are the cells
associated with
learning
They are composed of
a cell body, dendrites
and an axon
Information travels
across the synapse
between neurons
Stressed Neurons
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Rats which were
stressed showed
significantly fewer
dendrites than nonstressed rats
The lack of dendrites
hinders the ability of
neurons to network
with one another and
form neural pathways
The Human Brain
Brain Function
“Use It or Lose It”
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During adolescence,
there is a massive
overproduction of
neurons
Neurons which aren’t
used are pruned, and
gone forever, but those
that are used to form
neural pathways will
last a lifetime
Amygdala vs. Frontal Lobe
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The amygdala is responsible for
pleasure, anger, fear
Teenagers rely more on their
amygdala than adults, who rely
more on their frontal lobes
The amygdala triggers anger,
misunderstanding, sexual
interest, aggression,
disorganization, emotional
language
Making the World a Better Place
As the frontal lobes
mature, teens are
increasingly capable
of moral reasoning
and idealism  teens
become less selfabsorbed and often
turn idealism into
activism
“Every move you make, every
step you take…”
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The parietal lobes
control spatial
awareness and the
fluidity of the body’s
movements
As the parietal lobes
mature, the ability to
become proficient in
sport and musical
instruments is
particularly enhanced
Healthy Body = Healthy Mind
Cerebellum
Balance
Posture
Gross Motor Skils
Coordiates thought processes
Essential for decision making
Critical for efficient problem-solving skills
• Regular physical activity strengthens the cerebellum
• A strong cerebellum is essential for good problem-solving
skills and mental planning
Brain Based Teaching Strategies
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Set clear, consistent rules
Set challenges that are
positive
Teach to a range of
learning styles and
multiple intelligences
Adolescents love novelty
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Individualize the
members of your class
by getting to know each
student’s abilities,
talents and interests
Advocate involvement
in extra-curricular
activities, sports and
part-time jobs
Reference:
Available from www.thebrainstore.com,
Questions?