What happens to the brain when we’re learning?

Every student (and parent) should know and understand the answer to this question. I know I’ve posted similar information, but it’s worth repeating. 

Whenever we learn something, our brain changes. It’s rewired as our neurons start transmitting messages to the hippocampus, the deep part of the brain that is believed to be the center of emotions, memory, and the involuntary nerve cells. 

Neurotransmitters have an important job. During learning, blood flow increases within the brain, and eventually slows down as the person becomes familiar with the task or content and gradually the flow becomes steady with mastery, which explains the effortlessness of some athletes, musicians, and scientists. Practice! Practice! Practice! I know students and some parents don’t like homework, but it’s necessary. There’s only so much teachers and students can do during to school day. Learning needs to be reinforced. 

If your child plays sports, performs in theatre, plays an instrument, or participates in any other activity, does he or she continue to practice outside of the scheduled lesson or practice with the team/coach? Chances are the answer is yes, because practice makes perfect. The same philosophy applies to school work. 

Think of it like muscle memory. That’s why I tell my students that their brain is like a muscle. Exercise it everyday!

Furthermore, research has proven that when you sleep, neurons take in all the information, and you wake up smarter, but you need a good night of sleep. This is also the reason why teens, or anyone else, should never cram the night before a test. Study a little each day, which gives the neurotransmitters enough time to do their job.