Environmental and Neurochemical factors

Environmental & NeuroChemicals

Michael Harden
EDU417: Cognitive Studies Capstone
Instructor: Colleen Lindecker
June 2014

Environment
The environment affects teaching and learning, especially in the area of behavior. A behavior, i.e., something that a student is doing, happens within the context of what is happening around the student. The environment gives the student signals about when to act and how to act. Knowing the ways the environment can affect behavior will help you when trying to teach students new behaviors or modify the ways they use their current behaviors.
Our role !!!!!!!
The frequency and intensity of students emotional and behavioral disorders have increased in the past several decades
As teachers and care givers we have a room, a group, equipment, materials, a curriculum, instructional methods, and grades, but most of all, we have ourselves. What happens to us emotionally in the process of teaching emotional disturbed kids is the critical factor in determining our effectiveness.
Cont........
Helping youth with emotional and behavioral disabilities begins with understanding ourselves, particularly our own emotional processes that occur in the midst of conflict.
Keep calm at all times
Serotonin
Serotonin is produced both in the Central Nervous System (CNS) and in the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS). Serotonin produced in the CNS is associated with anger regulation, body temperature, mood, sleep, pain modulation and appetite. Serotonin produced in the PNS is associated with GI motility and pain modulation.
Dopamine
Dopamine monitors our metabolism. It works like a natural amphetamine and controls our energy, excitement about new ideas and motivation. Dopamine is associated with the pleasure system of the brain and promotes feelings of enjoyment and reinforcement to motivate performance.
Dopamine has numerous functions in the brain related to motor coordination, cognition, mood, attention and learning. Dopamine controls bodily functions related to power, including blood pressure, metabolism and digestion.
Acetylcholine
The neurotransmitter acetylcholine is used to promote excitatory actions for cognition, memory and arousal. It regulates your ability to process sensory input and access stored information. Acetylcholine controls your brain speed by determining the rate at which electrical signals are processed throughout your body. When your brain speed slows, the brain doesnt react as fast as it used to. This leads not only to reduced cognition, but to slowed impulses that result in organs functioning less well.
Sleep/Diet
Children are subject to unexpected changes in their behavior and functioning when their sleep is disrupted. Unlike adults, who become sleepy with inadequate rest, children have a paradoxical response: They actually become hyperactive. This may manifest as attention deficits and hyperactivity that may be misdiagnosed as
Cont......
Balanced nutrition is crucial during childhood to support normal growth and cognitive development. When children are fed unhealthy foods, certain behavioral problems can begin to arise. Among the most common of these are attention deficit hyperactive disorder, irritability and aggression. Poor diets that are high in sugar, fast food, artificial food additives and trans fats have been studied for their potential links to these behavioral issues.
Reference Page:
Epsy, M. (n.d.). Nutrition, Brain Function, and Behavior. Nutrition, Brain Function, and Behavior. Retrieved June 16, 2014, from http://www.healthguidance.org/entry/6266/1/Nutrition-Brain-Function-and-Behavior.html
Plesman, J. (2005, November 1). The Serotonin Connection. . Retrieved June 16, 2014, from http://www.ei-resource.org/articles/mental-and-emotional-problem-articles/
Roberson, K. (2013, February 5). Seven Strategies for Teaching Self-Control to Children with Behavioral Problems. Kenneth Roberson Ph D. Retrieved June 16, 2014, from http://www.kennethrobersonphd.com/seven-strategies-for-teaching-self-control-to-children-with-behavioral-problems/