Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Neuroscience, Mindfulness and
LearningKathy A. Shoemaker,
MA, EdS, LPC, NCC, ACS, CPS
With the end in mind, what are your hopes for your students?
#1 Skill/Trait that employers are looking
for?“Learnability”“Learning Animals”“Hungry Brains”
Self-directed learners who are inquisitive, genuinely interested in acquiring
new knowledge, and personally motivated to grow professionally.
O’Donnell, 2017
A Quick Neuroscience Lesson
Limbic SystemAmygdala:Emotion-drivenFight/Flight/FreezeHippocampus: Explicit memoryThalamus:Message control
Cerebral CortexNewer, Higher, EvolvedShaped by social & physical interactions
Corpus Collosum Connects left & right hemisphere
Prefrontal Cortexconscious thought
(Cozzolino, 2010; Siegel, 2010)
mPFC Functions:-Bodily regulation-Attuned communication-Emotional balance-Fear extinction-Flexibility-Insight -Empathy-Morality -Intuition
Brain Stem - InstinctRegulates vital functions &
flow of body messages
Sub-cortical, Ancient,
Below ConsciousConcern=Safety
Our Embodied Brains
• Central Nervous System: brain, brain stem, and spinal cord
• Peripheral Nervous System: nerves that branch off the spinal cord to all parts of the body• Somatic – voluntary body movement• Autonomic – involuntary body function
• Sympathetic – approach - fast• Parasympathetic – rest – slower
• Key role in body response to stress• Vagus nerve
• Neuroception: are situations or people dangerous (im/mobilize) or safe (engage)
• The brain sends messages through the spinal cord and nervous system to control Muscle movement of and organ
Ancient BrainConcern: Safety
Amygdala
Hijack
Healthy Human Brain Development
Pet the Lizard
Feed the mouse
Hug the Monkey
Hanson, 2015; Siegel, 2013; Siegel & Bryson, 2011
2nd chance to develop habits that support wellness across the lifespan
Healthy Development and Secure Attachment Supports:
• Self-regulation• Self-soothing• Social engagement
Adolescent Brain DevelopmentChanges in the adolescent brain gives rise to: • Novelty Seeking – increases drive for
rewards and creates internal motivation• Emotional Intensity – creating vitality
and passion• Creative Exploration – new ways of
thinking and being, pushing back – sparks innovation
• Social Engagement - supportive relationships –***best predictor of well being across the lifespan
Successfully navigating these aspects of adolescence predicts outcomes across the lifespan
Tying it all together - Learning
Hippocampus: Explicit memory
Prefrontal Cortexconscious thought
(Siegel, 2010)
Amygdala:Emotion-basedMotivation
Safety =Social Engagement Network
Danger = Mobilization or Immobilization Network
Neuroplasticity:Neural pathways are developed and strengthend based on learning and practice
Ways to Calm the Amygdala:
• Breathe• Move• Play• Mindfulness
• Developing Focused Awareness• Supporting Safety and Stability
(Ivey & Zalaquett, 2011; Siegel, 2010; Van der Kolk, 2012)
Benefits of Mindfulness
Practices• Physical health• Psychological• Emotional• Social • Overall well-being
(The Hawn Foundation, 2011; Kabat-Zinn, 2003; Linden, 1973; Rempel, 2012; Siegel, 2013; Siegel & Bryson, 2011;
Shonin, Van Gordon, & Griffiths, 2012; Tang et al., 2012)
At its essence, mindfulness is about
noticing and tuning into what one is actually experiencing,
rather than
being hijacked by our habitual thoughts Kabat-Zinn, 1990; Langer, 2000
Mindfulness is . . .
“the awareness that emerges from paying attention on
purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally
to the unfolding experience moment by moment”
(Kabat Zinn, 2003, p. 145)
Mindfulness & Neurobiology
Learning mindful awareness skills is a key vehicle for strengthen and restructure the brain: to supports the healthy cognitive, emotional, and
interpersonal functioning
When successfully cultivated, they lead to: flexible thinkingactive engagementsense of competencea healthy lifespan trajectory
(Diamond, 2010; Linnenbrink & Pintrich, 2003; Siegel, 2013)
Mindfulness & Negativity Bias
Positive Emotions xxxxx
• Evolutionary bias toward negativity• Necessary for survival, but . . .• Too much focus builds self-
reinforcing circuitry• Mindfulness practice can shift
the default mode network to become less reactive• Heartfulness• Gratitude• Taking in the good
Mindfulness-based Practices
creates a shift in awareness from experiencing to the objective observation of experience.
facilitating the capacity for objectivity, empathy, and tolerance without reactivity to challenging physical and emotional states
fostering self-regulation, self-management, values clarification, and flexibility of cognitions, emotions, body sensations, and behaviors.
(Black, 2015; Davidson et al., 2012; Felver et al. 2013; Grecucci et al., 2015; Wisner, 2014)
Benefits in EducationDeveloping mindful awareness skills supports:• On-task behavior• Focused attention• Improved Working Memory• Creativity• Optimal Learning • Reduction in test anxiety• Student engagement • Prosocial Behavior
(Davidson, 2012; Langer, 2000; Roeser & Peck, 2009)
