Brain Emergency
Can emotions affect the learning brain?
The RAS Filters
There are two big parts that really define a brain as a whole. The prefrontal cortex and the automatic, reactive brain. The prefrontal cortex makes up only 17% of your brain. This section also holds thoughts, memories, techniques, and other procedures that keep the brain functioning. The automatic brain holds all physical activities. When learning, a technique first is held in the automatic brain since learning is visual as well as physical, but for the student to understand the concept, the technique has to travel to the prefrontal cortex. This is when the RAS comes it play. The RAS is a series of filters which block out information. The brain has these filters because to much information is sent and collected. When someone is in a happy emotional state the RAS opens up and a chemical called dopamine helps transmit the signal to your prefrontal cortex. In other words, being happy can help you learn better. When someone is in an emotional state that is unpleasant, such as anger or depression, the RAS filters close up, stopping the information from going through leading to the en ability to focus on class work. Emotional states can affect learning of students.
What others have to say
Recent study about students and teachers have shown that students that were effected in positive ways scored better than kids who were effected in negative ways. The science explains it! When not in a happy or positive state the RAS can't operate as well as it should. Scientists from Southwest Consortium claimed that "A person's physical and emotional well being are very closely linked to the ability to think and learn. Letting students explain their feelings can help them build skill in listening to other students comments which can aid in controlling the emotional state you are currently in."
Brain power
Frequently asked Questions.
"Do this topic have anything to do with mindsets?" No. Mindsets are very different from the processes taking place inside your brain. Mindsets are what you believe. In other words a fixed mindset is one in which you don't believe there can be any change with in your brain.
Stay positive in school
Teachers, please keep your students in a positive mood.
Email: colin-mcmillen@dpsnc.net
Website: rogersherr.dpsnc.net
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