Despite what you may think, your brain is a mathematical genius
Shifting mental gears from work to vacation is not as simple as we may think. Researchers at Salk Institute for Biological Studies find that our brains continuously and automatically adapt its computing resources as our environment changes to best engage in problem-solving for the situation at hand, resulting in unexpected abilities and deficiencies.
The Unique Learner
“The child must know that he is a miracle, that since the beginning of the world there hasn’t been, and until the end of the world there will not be, another child like him.” – Pablo Casals The Unique Learner Each child is unique. Each learns in her or his own way. Discovering that “Learning Style” is an underappreciated, yet key factor in academic success. Education researchers have identified seven broad categories of Learning Style: Visual (spatial). You prefer using pictures, images, and spatial understanding. Aural (auditory-musical). You prefer using sound and music. Verbal (linguistic). You prefer using words, both in speech and writing. Physical (kinesthetic). You prefer using your body, hands and sense of
Suppressing the Brain’s 'Filter' Can Improve Performance in Creative Tasks
Have you ever wondered why it’s sometimes easier to focus on a difficult task — like calculus — with the radio turned on for a little background sound? It may be that the music, discussion and other sounds act to block our attention from “listening” to another part of our brain that is sending unneeded information, allowing us to focus on the task at hand. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have found that electronically suppressing the brain’s prefrontal cortex can improve performance in creative tasks. The research may lead to finding natural ways to control, inhibit and reduce irrelevant thoughts, perceptions and memories that will serve to strengthen and quicken the connection to creative
New College Application, Same Old Process
The next generation Common Application Online (CA4) has been announced. Carol Barash of SchoolBook.org reports “there are three important changes in the format. The required length is now a firm 250-650 words rather than the previous recommendation that did not prevent students from writing more. The essay is now submitted as part of an online form and there is no option to choose your own essay topic.” The new application will be formally launched August 1, 2013. Click here for info from the CommonApp.org. Click “More” below to read the article by Ms. Barash.
The Art and Craft of Science
Time to insert some STEAM into STEM: Michigan State University educators detail the importance of art in developing the talents for a career in science. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Adding the “A” for Art may lead to even greater things for learners. Robert Root-Bernstein and Michele Root-Bernstein report: Arts and crafts develop such skills as observation, visual thinking, the ability to recognize and form patterns, and manipulative ability. They develop habits of thought and action that include practicing, persevering, and trial-and-error problem solving. They pose new challenges, such as those that intrigued Rood, Ostwald, and von Euler-Chelpin. And they provide novel structures, methods, and analogies that can stimulate scientific innovation.
Eliminating Useless Information Important to Learning, Making New Memories
ScienceDaily.com reports: “As we age, it just may be the ability to filter and eliminate old information — rather than take in the new stuff — that makes it harder to learn, scientists report.” Click for details:
