How the Brain LearnsBy Michael LeeHow the brain learns is a subject that still requires a lot of study. What scientists do know is that the learning process of the brain is dependent on how it is able to make connections among the brain cells. That may be a simple explanation on how the complex brain functions as it tries to learn through a variety of stimuli. How the brain learns can be associated by how it is able to create memories. It is through the connections that it can make that lead to the creation of memories and facilitation of the learning process. The basics of the process begin with the neurons in the brain. A neuron is a nerve cell that receives information coming from the sensory organs and then transmits that information to the other nerve cells. Some of these neurons transmit the different information that it receives to other parts of the body that also interacts with the environment. The
connections established from which information passes from one
neuron to another are called synapses. The different levels of
information that the neurons receive from the synapses that they
have established determine the output information that it sends
out. This seems to create a sort of wiring diagram that enables
different neurons to send and receive information from one another.
The number of synapses among neurons is at its minimum during the development process of the baby in the womb. After birth, it gains about two thirds of its adult size just after birth. After that, the rest of the synapses are formed after birth with a part of this established as humans go through different stimuli in life. These synapses are said to explain how the brain learns. The neurons seem to establish a large number of synapses between them right after birth. The
scientists believe that the synapse overproduction is due to the
fact that some of these connections are later on lost or disappear.
This may allow the neurons to select and establish appropriate
connections, and disregard the inappropriate ones to create more
efficient connections with each other. This is how the brain
learns. About the Author: *** Please feel free to publish this article, free of charge, as long as the bylines are included. A courtesy copy of your publication would be appreciated - send to mike@20daypersuasion.com |