Environmental and Chemical Factors

Cathy Johnson
EDU 417
Instructor: Ciara Smack
September 8, 2014

Environment and Learning
The growth of the body is relatively
easy to observe, the growth of the
brain is not(Wolf,2010, p.71).

Our Brains grow and are molded by the
people around us and through our
environment.



A wide variety of chemicals called neurotransmitters, are synthesized by certain brain structures or by
organs outside of the brain, are released into the bloodstream, and travels to target neurons.

Neurotransmitters are important for memory, learning, and behavior.

Brain chemistry or neurochemistry is the complex system which allows the brain to function with the use
of chemicals known as neurotransmitters which move information around in the brain.

Every person's brain chemistry is slightly different, and a number of things can play a role in the levels of
various neurotransmitters in the brain, and how those chemicals affect the brain's function
Chemical Factors
Roles of Neurotransmitters

Chemical Factors on Learning


Glutamate is a neurotransmitter
abundantly present in the brain. This
chemical messenger serves in processing
learning and memory formation

Acetylcholine plays a role in short-term
memory and Learning.

Dopamine is an important
neurotransmitter for cognitive function; It
provides a sense of competence and
power to achieve our goals.
Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter that
is linked to memories associated with
stress(Jensen,2008,p.158).


Epinephrine . It regulates attention, mental focus, arousal, and cognition. Low levels have
been can result in fatigue, lack of focus, and difficulty losing weight. High levels have been
linked to sleep problems, anxiety and ADHD.

Dopamine is responsible for motivation, interest, and drive. It is associated with positive
stress states such as being in love, exercising, and listening to music.
.
Glutamate is the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. It is required for learning and
memory. Low levels can lead to tiredness and poor brain activity
Acetylcholine
It is mainly a neuromodulator in the central
nervous system. As a neuromodulator,
acetylcholine helps sustain attention by
enhancing sensory perception while we are
awake(Chase,2014) .

Acetylcholine has a more profound effect on
encoding new memories than on
consolidation and retrieval.

Further research shows that acetylcholine
and the entire cholinergic pathway are more
important for making memories than the
other 2 stages involved in memory functions.



Memory and Learning

Memory is the capacity to carry forward in time some element of
experience

There are 3 stages involved in memory functioning: the making of the
memory or encoding, the creation of long-term memory from the new
memory or consolidation and the recall of the memory or retrieval.

The brain creates associations when two patterns of neural activity occur
simultaneously and repetitively.
The brain tries to make sense of the world by looking for patterns.


Relationship between environmental and neurochemical factors
in the classroom.


Networks are formed through our
environment, and experiences.

Bronfenbrenner's Ecological
Systems Theory encompasses the
layered environmental system of
microcosms in which human
development takes place and
emphasizes the importance of
family, teachers, schools, and the
larger sociocultural environment on
the developmental process
Bronfenbrenner's Ecological
Systems Theory
This model acknowledges that
humans do not develop in isolation
but in relation to their family, home,
school, community, and
society(Leu,2008).
Research shows the greater the
family and community involvement in
schools, the greater the students'
achievement (Leu,2008).
Strategies for learning

Teachers must be equipped with a plethora of knowledge about
the characteristics of their students, so they can prepare lessons,
plan and strategize interventions, make modifications and
accommodations for learning as well as addressing the individual
student needs in the classroom( Horne, & Shaughnessy,2013,
p.321).

Neuroplasticity
Movement

Gross motor repetitive movements can stimulate
the production dopamine in the brain.
Aerobic exercise improves thinking and learning
because of its ability to trigger a fast adrenaline-
noradrenaline response, which is critical to
facing and coping with challenges.
SLEEP
Allen Hobson of Harvard
University discovered that
the ability to maintain
learning attentiveness is
affected by normal
fluctuations in brain
chemistry(Jensen,2008,p.
26). They occur in cycles
of 90 minute intervals
during the day and night.

Neuroplasticity on Learning
Technology
According to Wolf, (2008), Computer and video
games can be a natural teacher to the learner;
focusing on critical thinking skills, providing
immediate feed back, and providing opportunities
to obtain mastery (p103).
Parents need to be aware also that violent content
in video games desensitizes players to aggression
and violence.
Nutrition
Glucose is the sole source
of fuel on our brain cells, so
it is important that learners
get a good nutritional
breakfast to refuel after
overnight glucose depletion

Memory and learning are
impaired by diets that
contain high levels of
saturated fats
(Wolf,2008,p.100).


References

Chase, B.(2014) , Memory and Acetylcholine. Retrieved from
http://www.progressivehealth.com/cognitiveFunction-acetylcholine.htm


Horne, J., & Shaughnessy, M.F. (2013). The response to Intervention Program and Gifted
Students: How can it Facilitate and Expedite educational Excellence for Gifted Students
in the Regular Education Setting? I nternational J ournal Of Academic Research,
5(3), 319-324. doi: 10.7813/2075-4124.2013/3-5/B.48

Jensen, E.,(2008) Brain Based Learning: A New Paradigm of Teaching, Thousand Oaks:
Corwin Press Inc.

Leu, J. C. (2008). Early childhood music education in taiwan: An ecological systems
perspective. Arts Education Policy Review,109(3), 17-25. Retrieved from
http://search.proquest.com/docview/211010679?accountid=32521

Wolf, P., (2010) The Brain Matters: Translating Research into Classroom
Practice.(2
nd
ed). Alexandria: ASCD Publications