(June 2011)
Today, I began a class on brain-based reading instruction. We are learning about the brain and how to develop instructional practices that bring about optimal performance. The subject matter is fascinating to me... What struck me most today was learning about a part of the brain called the amygdala (a-migg-da-la). It essentially "hijacks" control of other brain processess when it notices stimuli that triggers fear, kicking the body into fight-or-flight reaction. This can completely impede learning. I can think of so many times in my own learning when I was unable to process or concentrate or focus because of triggered emotion. I am going to look into how stress affects brain functioning. More to come...
Very interesting. Throughout school I had terrible comprehension, I personally think it was due to stress/emotions that I could not let go of.
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