A Person’s Brain Chemistry Affects Learning Math (and Other Subjects)
Our brains send messages to other parts of our bodies using neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters affect how we learn as well as influence our immune system, our energy levels, behavior, and our emotions. Research from cognitive scientists (psychologists who study how people learn) and neuroscientists (biologists who study how the brains and neurons work) shows that the right levels of certain neurotransmitters impact a person’s ability to learn at any given moment. Neurotransmitter levels change depending on our thoughts, feelings, and surroundings.
The Role of Dopamine, Serotonin, Norepinephrine, and Cortisol
Dr. Martha Burns, a neuroscientist whose research helps teachers teach effectively, calls dopamine the “save” button. Serotonin helps keeps emotions calm, increasing attention spans and reducing behavior problems. Norepinephrine increases awareness and our ability to direct our attention. Too much cortisol negatively impacts a person’s ability to concentrate and learn--think “fight or flight syndrome.” To maximize learning, students should fill their brain with dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine and avoid too much cortisol. This can all be done without taking a single supplement.
Teachers Influence Neurotransmitters
The right classroom environment makes a big difference to the levels of neurotransmitters. Teachers can increase their students’ levels of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine and decrease cortisol through several strategies, including:
Praising effort
Keeping peace socially
Letting students move, stretch, and exercise periodically
Presenting new and engaging material
Laughing and having a good time
Cooperative learning
Constructive Feedback
Mathnasium of Littleton Increases Neurotransmitters
Students at Mathnasium of Littleton benefit from the right environment and a growth mindset where they get feedback, peer recognition, rewards, and positive interactions with our instructors. Stop by today to see how our center operates, or better yet, schedule your child for a free, 60 minute session and experience our center yourself! Please schedule an appointment and let us know you are coming. 303-840-1184
This article was written by and owned by Cuttlefish Copywriting, www.cuttlefishcopywriting.com. It is copyright protected. Mathnasium of Parker has permission to use it. Other Mathnasium locations should contact Heather at [email protected] before using it.
