Brain Learning Log

What?
This week's class was especially exciting. It was really interesting to hear and learn about the different parts of the brain and the function of each part. I especially found it fascinating how the brain grows as we grow. I feel like I am still 20, but I know that I have matured so much. I don't feel like there are 9 years between me and my younger sister because I feel that I was just there last year. However, I know that my thought process is much different now than it was then. It makes perfect sense that teens don't have quite as much judgment as adults do because that part of their brain just has not matured yet. It's interesting to know how the brain forms connections and just how active they are, especially in junior high. I knew that brain activity was extremely active for babies to young children, but it surprised me how active teenage brains are. The more I think about it though, the more it makes sense.

So What?
This is very important for me to know as a teacher because I need to understand how they are thinking and why they believe that their reasoning makes sense. It has already helped me with my 17-year-old sister. When she figured that she had every right to go to a party last Monday when she had been out with friends and not done any chores, I didn't lecture her about how much my mother does for her and needs help every once in a while. Understanding how the brain develops and works will help me to be a great teacher because I will stop before I make a quick remark or judgment based on what a student has done (or not done) or said in class.

Now What?
In order to better help our students, we need to be reminded and keep in mind how their minds are working and the fact that their bodies are changing and they don't exactly know how to deal with it. Not to say we need to be so sympathetic about every situation, but we need to think about what we are about to do or say in order to create the most enriching educational experience possible.