Cool Brain Research

I goggled Sam Wang's name and wrote read a bit of information on him. However, what I was most fascinated with was a video on a blog were Sam Wang was taking about the brain, specifically on the brain and its will-power. This blog was advertising a book that Sam Wang co-wrote regarding the brain. If I am not mistaken I believe part of what was said at on this blog video was mentioned in class. I like it how he mentioned how the brain is pliable, meaning that it is a muscle and can learn pretty much anything. Wang talked about a few different ways where the entire brain is needed to function. The brain is very efficient at what it does as it only functions on about 15 watts per hour.

Sam Wang said that the myth that we only use a fraction of our brain is not true. The brain is complex and needs all parts to function correctly. Because of this when some students with handicaps and learning disabilities are in your classroom, it will most likely be because of damage to some part of the brain. Education is all about learning and growing which the brain has the most important role for this to happen. If the brain is not working together as it should learning will not be as effective (in most cases). Or, in some cases learning will be different.

In a school setting there is much to learn from Sam Wang. Our brains are very efficient at what it does. We will need to take care of it, if we want good results (example was with Wang's Lemonade study). Students will be more efficient if they are taking care of their brain. Some students may suffer in class if all they eat is junk food, don't eat breakfast or are up late and not receive the proper sleep they need. We also can "train" our brains, the fact that it is a muscle means if you don't use it you'll lose it. It also means that the brain has the ability to a grow and learn at no limit. Our students need to constantly be stimulated and their learning will be endless.

Sam Wang also says that self-control is a better sign of someone being successful than an IQ or intelligence test. (this reminded me of the marshmallow/peppermint patty activity). If we can get students to learn to control their mind rather then spout off information they will be more successful in life.