The Human Brain
Linking Brain Structures and Functions
Linking Brain Structures and Functions
Brain consists of many organs, that are each responsible for a particular reaction (Gredler, 2009)
Three organizations of the brain that are linked to functions are:
1. Brain Centers
2. Areas of specialization
3. Brain Systems
Three Areas Linked to Functions: Brain Centers, Areas of Specialization, Brain Centers
Brain Centers and Areas of Specialization
Two researches that contributed
1. Pierre Paul Boca – researcher that found that brain damage in the lower frontal lobe is associated with serious speech problems
2. Karl Wernicke - German neurologist – found that damage to a certain part of the left temporal lobe is associated with the inability to understand spoken or written word
Research
Research suggests that the brain is divided into two areas, the left hemisphere (brain) and the right hemisphere. Based on the research the following generalizations:
Language and creativity is more closely associated with the left brain, while right brain is associated with analytical thinkers
Brain systems
1. Interconnected units of the brain contribute to systems that are themselves responsible for relatively separate functions (Gredler, 2009)
2. Cortical and subcortical areas participate in the execution of integrated brain functions
Important to Educators because
- Helps educators better understand the learner and the educator can better determine the abilities of the researcher
- Educators can create educational strategies targeting all students
- Educators can be proactive in preparing lessons to reach a diverse group of learners
- More effective communication would take place because the background research has provide the educator with some knowledge on how the learner thinks.