Definitions
What is learning?
Relatively permanent change in behavior or cognitions as a result of practice, experience, or an encounter with information/the environment.
What is nativism?
Knowledge is inborn in us and handed down from generation to generation
How has technology impacted learning?
Positive: We have more information so we can learn so much more than we used to be able to.
Negative: Technology limits the amount our brains engage (For example: map apps vs paper maps, minimized memorization).
What are the three important structures of the brain that were discussed in class?
Neurons, Astrocytes, and Mirror neurons
What are the four main components of the brain?
Cerebrum, Cerebellum, Brain Stem, and Diencephalon
What are three parts of learning?
Long-term, mental representations, and result experience
What is empiricism?
Knowledge is acquired through experience
What is cognitive psychology?
Observing the unobservable through examining/testing human thought processes and thought patterns (cognition)
What is synaptic pruning?
If there is information we are not using on a regular basis, those old neural connections get weakened or deleted over time.
What 3 factors influence brain development?
Heredity, Environment, and Experience
What factors contribute to learning through changing existing behaviors?
Frequently, speed, intensity, and complexity
What is the main focus of structuralism & functionalism?
Focuses on introspection; looking inside yourself to describe what you’re thinking
What is the social-cognitive theory?
Focus on the cognitive processes behind social behavior/socially learned behavior
Where does learning occur?
Frontal lobes, Hippocampus, and Amygdala
What two things is sleep necessary for?
Memory formation and consolidation of information
What are the four knowledge emotions?
Surprise, interest, confusion, and awe
What is behaviorism?
We must be able to observe/measure learning through behavior (responses) and events (stimuli) that precede/causes behavior
What is the sociocultural western perspective?
Belief that intelligence is innate and integral to our identity. Struggle is seen as weakness. The concepts of self and independence are elevated and highly important.
Why does learning a second language enhance neural development?
It increases the volume and density of gray matter, the volume of white matter, and brain connectivity
What are some historical characteristics of left brain?
Typically enjoy creating to-do lists and checking each item off as it is accomplished. Typically enjoys planning, being organized, and auditory learning.
What is the purpose of knowledge emotions?
To foster an environment/condition conducive to learning, exploring, and reflecting
What is the social learning theory?
Learning occurs as people watch others behave
What is the sociocultural eastern perspective?
Belief that intelligence is separate from our identity, it is not who we are. We are malleable. The concepts of family/community and interdependence are elevated.
What are two conditions in which neuroplasticity occurs?
Normal brain development: Influence from environment, experiences, genetics, family, etc.
Reappropriation: Serves as an adaptive mechanism to compensate for lost function and/or to maximize remaining functions in the event of brain injury
What are some historical characteristics of right brain?
Typically more curious and creative. Typically enjoys being spontaneous, impulsive, and learning through visual methods.