http://www.ted.com/talks/sarah_jayne_blakemore_the_mysterious_workings_of_the_adolescent_brain.html
The readings and PowerPoints for module four
discussed the dual memory model of processing information. I was curious as to how cognitive development
would influence the way an individual processes information. I found a TED talk by Sarah-Jane Blakemore
titled "The Mysterious Workings of the
Adolescent Brain." Blakemore discusses
the importance of understanding the development of the adolescent brain in
order to create an environment that provides the best opportunity for development. This research provides educators information
to consider when determining teaching strategies for adolescents and individuals
in the age range of 20s and 30s.
The period of adolescence is a critical time in the
development of the brain. The prefrontal
cortex is the part of the brain that is responsible for processes such as
planning, organizing, decision making, social interactions, controlling
inappropriate behavior, self-awareness, and inhibitions. During adolescence, there is a dramatic
development and change that is occurring in this part of the brain. According to James (1899/2001), “but the
larger categories of conception, the sorts of thing, and wider classes of
relation between things, of which we take cognizance, are all got into the mind
at a comparatively youthful date” (p. 81).
This statement by James reinforces the research of Blakemore that during
this developmental time the learning that takes place is critical and may have
lifelong effects.
The medial prefrontal cortex is the part of the
brain that is involved in social decisions.
This part of the brain decreases in activity during adolescence. This explains why adolescents struggle with
the ability to take into account the perspective of someone else in guiding their
behavior.
This research provides information for educators
that may be used to inform curriculum design and teaching strategies. Since the brain is more adaptive and
malleable, this presents a great opportunity for educators to capitalize on the
social and educational learning that needs to occur during this stage of
cognitive development. It is important for educators to realize the part of the
brain responsible for social decisions decreases in activity during
adolescence. This will impact learning, and
this is an element of cognitive development that needs to be considered in the
overall scope of the learning environment.
James (1899/2001) realized the importance of the teacher in
engaging the adolescent while the brain was in this stage of growth and
development. Information processed
during this time has lifelong effects on the learner. James (1899/2001)
states, “and it may well solemnize a teacher, and confirm in him a healthy
sense of the importance of his mission, to feel how exclusively dependent upon
his present ministrations in the way of imparting conceptions the pupil’s future
life is probably bound to be” (p. 82).
Reference:
James, W. (2001). Talks to teachers on psychology and to students on some of life's
ideals.
Mineola, NY: Dover. (Original work published 1899).
I liked this video because she explained the reasoning behind the actions of adolescents due to their brain development. I agree that as instructional designers this information is important when designing curriculum to take into consideration the learners’ cognitive development. The example with the shelf where the participant must take the director’s perception in mind before reacting was very interesting. I was surprised that there were fewer errors when the participant only had written directions rather than having a person directing them on the other side.
ReplyDeleteI agree Melinda, brain development during adolescence is interesting. The prefrontal cortex is actively changing during this period that affects planning, social communication, impulsivity, etc. I am wondering if the change in prefrontal cortex during adolescence correlates with the increase in bullying and internalizing issues students face during this period. I also found the shelf experiment interesting because it gives weight to the argument why bullying occurs during this developmental period. Students struggle taking others perspective into consideration through early adulthood. Further, if a person cannot understand perspective of others, it may be difficult to apply the meaning behind the words of others. Thus, adolescence can create a self-conscious individual that internalizes friendly criticism.
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