The Journey of the Brain

One of the greatest questions on earth today is, why some people can learn, or remember practically anything. The answer I have found revolves around knowing how the brain actually works. The brain is capable of receiving and transferring information through Neurons. This is a magnificent process that will make a tree look totally different. The process is made up so many different components and the way we think, feel and live plays a major role in brain development                    

                 According to Rita Smilkstein, The Natural Human Learning Process are comprised in four to six stages. In the beginning motivation is needed, whereas a person has to have some interest. In addition, trial is where the brain starts to learn new information. This stage is where pratice makes perfect. Next after trial and error the brain becomes confident, and higher challenges are needed. She indicates the way the brain reacts is mostly chemical. First, billions of neurons have dendrites which receive chemical messages. Next synapses, which are spaces in the brain, create neural networks. In addition, emotions affect the learning of a person in school academics and life. In conclusion, chemicals flow to synapses to shut down the brain when the confidence level is low.(Chapter2)                                                                                                           I greatly feel the Natural Human Learning Process played a major role in my life. I was using this process, and not even realizing I did in one of my greatest accomplishments in life. As a child, growing up motorcycles were big in my family, and everybody had one. Among other things, I was fascinated with these loud two wheel bikes. I began riding bikes at the age of six. Every year I progressed and began racing by the age of sixteen. I knew I had mastered this craft when my friends would run outside, and scream every time I rode my motorcycle. Furthermore, by the time I brought my first motorcycle it was natural just to get on and ride. By the age of twenty one I had gained awards for drag racing, but there were still always room for improvement. The NHLP played a part throughout my entire life of learning how to ride motorcycles from the age of six until now.        

               The brain’s whole learning process is amazing, and Neuron Development is the key to learning. Surprisingly, this process is similar to the growth of a tree. First, billions of little neurons connect to transfer information through synaptic firing. In addition, the axons which are similar to the trunk of a tree, are fiber extending of the soma. Another component the axon terminals are like the roots of the tree, and considered to be separated by a gap called the synapse. Due to this small process electrical chemical impulses are sent. Next, the myelin sheath protects the axon and is similar to the bark of a tree. Neuron development also has dendrites, which is Greek for “tree like.” Dendrites are fibers that grow due to stimulation and stores information. This process is called synaptic firing, and helps dendrites grow. (Smilkstein, chapter 3)

                 In addition, brain development, there is a process to fire these neurons called synaptic firing. Synaptic firing is similar to a spark plug firing in an engine. A spark plug is an electric gadget in a cylinder head that sparks to ignite fuel. The piston pushes fuel and air against the spark plug. This process ignites the engine. Therefore, the comparison to synaptic firing are almost identical. Synapse pass an electrical or chemical signal to other neurons. Hormones are used as fuel for synaptic firing and they never actually touch to transmit information. This process is like a spark plug, it never has to touch anything to get a spark. The space between neurons are called the synaptic gap, whereas the neurons transfer information. Hormones play a factor and how neurons react and grow. Hormones fuel synaptic firing, and certain hormones will have a different affect. Endorphins are hormones that produce feel good emotions, or make a person feel confident about what they are doing. Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter that performs when the brain is under stress. Now, stress will cause the brain to shut completely down. Conquering stress is the key to having good endorphins, or finding a way to get the feel good back. The brain is programed to react to feelings. Taking control of emotions can cause neurons to reach its full potential.

                    So now that we know emotions affect the brains learning. This can be the main cause of low academic scores in college. It’s so many impediments that can alter one’s success in college. Stress can lead to sleepiness, or not being able to function in class. Personal issues can bring trouble learning such as: kids, not eating, financial crisis and relationship problems. So many different things can contribute to one’s ability to learn in college and be successful. Taking control of emotions and personal issues can lead to a better life.

                     In my personal experience it’s very hard going to college with personal issues on the brain. I am dealing with financial issues, and it’s very hard to focus on school when you are struggling at home. The way our brains are programed depression leads to feeling weak, and feeling like you will never accomplish anything. I have times where I want to quit school and just focus on working. Therefore, it is a constant battle everyday trying to balance work, school, personal issues, and college. Sometimes in life I made decisions off my emotions, this resulted in bad situations. This theory supports synaptic firing. When I feel down and out my ability to learn and retain information shuts down.

               Therefore, the whole brain development process surrounds itself around organization of life. I plan on using a couple strategy’s to organize my life. This will result in a better understanding during college. I know that my main problem right now is time management and organizing my work study. Therefore, I will use some strategies from Joe Landsberger, Study Guides and Strategies website. I will implement postponing unnecessary activities until my work is done. These activities include watching television, using social media and texting. In addition, I plan on using my free time wisely to study. Separating my personal life, and school is my best option for a successful college life.

                                                    works cited

“Study Guides and Strategies” Joe Landsberger.” N/A. N/A 2 May 2016 <0http://www.studygs.net/>

Smilkstein, Rita. We're

Born to Learn: Using the Brain's Natural Learning Process to Create Today's Curriculum. 1st ed. Thousand Oaks, Cal.: Corwin. 2003 .