ART VIEWING AND BRAIN POWER IN CHILDREN/ADOLESCENTS
Introduction/Theoretical Orientation
Emotions affect thinking, learning, and behaviors.
Emotional reaction to art and increased learning.
Processes of learning vary (Caine & Caine, 1997).
Brain research linked to art (Rettig & Rettig, 1999).
More neural fibers from brain's emotional center to rational center than reverse (Sylwester,1994).
Brain's anatomy/physiology and relevance to learning.
Brain imaging (Neisser, et. al., 1996).
Thalamus as relay center. Amygdala and emotions -- basis of daily decision-making (Weiss, 2000).
Changes in nerve cell structure when rat exposed to various environments (D'Arcangelo, 1998).
Rapid development of synapses occur early in life, at critical developmental periods, and due to enriched environments (Bruer, 1998).
Adult learning and reorganization of brain (Bruer, 1998).
Enriched environment in early months and years affect brain's development (Shore, 1997).
Early traumatic experiences, chronic abuse, malnutrition, unsafe conditions, and deprivation of medical care affect brain's growth (Shore, 1997).
Early prevention/intervention and interaction in enriched environment assure increased synaptic formations (Shore, 1997).
Learning is brain based, so an understanding of how the brain works best is necessary (Pool, 1997).
12 learning principles (Caine & Caine, 1997).
search for meaning occurs through patterning
brain simultaneously perceives/creates parts/wholes
learning involves focused attention/peripheral perception
learning conscious and unconscious process
complex learning enhanced by challenge/inhibited by threat
Brain influenced by richness of environment and meaningfulness of data processed (Wolfe & Brand, 1998).
IQ not fixed at birth but develops over time
some abilities more easily acquired
brain social, collaborate and influenced by emotion
Emotional sy...