Brain Based Learning Theory

“The brain is only as healthy as the body that carries it”(Jean Blaydes-Madigan)

Exercise and Physical Activity

We’ve known for a long time that exercise has many benefits….

It helps control heart disease, hypertension, obesity, Type 2 diabetes, depression and helps reduce and manage stress and anxiety

GOOD NEWS

This is all good news for people’s health…

But for you right now with the exception of reducing and managing stress, these things are probably not top of your agenda.

Your in GRADE 12!!!!!!!!

So what’s the point of all this…

The Very Latest Research

What scientists and researchers have been discovering is that exercise has a very powerful effect on the brain.

What Effects?

Movement prepares the brain for optimal learning. Blood traveling to the bodybrain at greater rates feeds the brain the needed nutrients of oxygen and glucose. Each time you ‘think’ you use up a little glucose. Brain activity is measured by glucose utilization. A lack of oxygen to the brain results in disorientation, confusion, fatigue, sluggishness, concentration and memory problems

In Simple Terms

More oxygen and glucose available and utilized in the brain

= better concentration and memory

Got to be good news when doing exams?

More Science

Research by Kinoshita, (1997) found that exercisetriggers the release of BDNF (Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor) in the hippocampus part of the brain. This is the centre of learning and memoryIn the brain

BDNF enables one neuron to communicateto another. Neurogenesis.

Why is this important?

The generation of BDNF combines with serotonin which promotes synaptic plasticity - generally considered the basis of learning and memory.

What does this all mean for you?

Most Compelling Research

Well according to the most recent of research,students who are physically fit are more likely todo well on standardized tests. But the big one isthis…Those that exercise for 40 minutes in the aerobictarget zone were found to have better BDNF function forup to 16 hours after (Hillman et al, 2005). Imagine if youwere to go for a run on the morning of an exam…

Further supporting research…

Caterino and Polak (1999) found that mentalfocus and physical activity improve significantlyafter engaging in physical activity. Brink (1995) found that aerobic conditioningassists memory. Michund and Wild (1991) concluded that studentswho engaged in vigourous physical activityimproved short term memory and creativity.

Your ChoiceSo during your exams and this final year you are going to feel bogged down, stressed, tired and fed up…so the

purpose of this talk is….

Why not build into your year some aerobic exercise. As well asthe benefits to memory and concentration, exercise releases BetaEndorphin, a natural chemical found to have stress relieving and comfortingeffects . Research also suggests (Kinoshita , 1997) that students that sit for longer than 20minutes experience a decrease in the flow of BDNF. So when revising bear this in mind,go for a little walk, cycle or run. During your exam, do some kind of movement(obviously don’t stand up and walk out of the room) with your shoulders, neck armsjust to get your blood flowing again…

Good Luck with Grade 12