Module B: Human Development

Brain and Language DevelopmentEducation Foundations, 2012

6704, 8822

Overview• Brain development: neuroscience and education

• The brain’s physical structure• Brain development• Brain development and environment• Neuroscience and education• Limitations of neuroscience

Image retrieved from: http://www.nelsi-4.com/

• Language development Language as a social and psychological tool

Language development in adolescence

Language development and environment

Implications for teachers Image retrieved from: http://www.child-development-guide.com/child-language-development.html

Brain Development: Neuroscience and Education

• The brain’s physical structures

Image retrieved from: http://www.epilepsyresearch.org.uk/news/0810enews/nwasp.htm

The neuron receives messages through its dendrites and passes messages along its axons and across the synapse to other cells (Krause, et al., 2010)

Image retrieved from: http://people.eku.edu/ritchisong/301notes2.htm

Brain development

• Generation of new cells

• Synaptogenesis

• myelination

Image retrieved from: http://www.pep-web.org/document.php?id=apa.029.0831a

Brain development and environment

• ‘Pruning’ of synaptic networks

• Language and thinking

• Mother-infant interaction

Applications of neuroscience in education

• Working memory

Image retrieved from http://usablealgebra.landmark.edu/instructor-training/working-memory-attention-executive-function/

Applications of neuroscience in education, cont’d

• Emotion and thinking

Image retrieved from http://www.othersidegroup.com/2010/07/emotional-brand-also-important/

Applications of neuroscience in education, cont’d

• Connections in thinking: multiple representations, perspectives and prior knowledge

Image retrieved from www.deceptology.com

Applications of neuroscience in education, cont’d

• Attention and mental visualisation

Image retrieved from http://www.fitnesstipsforlife.com/using-mental-imagery.html

Image retrieved from http://www.fitnessgurusam.com/2010/08/04/can-visualization-make-you-stronger/

Limitations of neuroscience

Image retrieved from http://www.indigolearning.co.za/neuroscience/

• Study of human potentials vs. Study of developmental status quo

Language: a social and psychological tool

• Social interaction

• Acquisition of academic skills and concepts

• Development of consciousness and self- regulation

Language development in adolescence

• 5 language systems: Phonology; Semantics; Morphology; Syntax; and Pragmatics

• Development in adolescence: Vocabulary Syntax Metalinguistic awareness Abstract thinking

Image retrieved from: http://www.dipity.com/snowmankiller/Human-Development-Life-Cycle/

Language development and environment

• Joint attention

• Language input

Image retrieved from: http://www.theylta.com/blog/?cat=62&paged=2

Implications for teachers• Student-teacher and peer interaction

• Conceptual talks

• Student-directed interaction

Image retrieved from: http://www.eduguide.org/library/viewarticle/191