Understanding how Teen Brains Learn

The advancement in the imaging technology has helped neuroscientists delve deeper into the function and structure of the human brain. A recent study by Dr. Jay Geidd has shown that there is an increase in the growth of the brain just before puberty.

As an area of the brain called the prefrontal cortex develops further, teenagers have been found to reason better, make better judgments, and more effectively control their impulses. In general, it may seem that a lot of synapses (connections) is actually a good thing, which happens as a baby grows. But for a teenager between 13 and 18 years of age, even though his brain matures, he looses 1 percent of grey matter every year.

The brain initiates learning by cutting away synapses and enveloping white matter (myelin) over other connections. This is the period the brain looses grey matter, but it is an equally important phase for brain development.

According to Geidd, the growth of grey matter followed by the reduction in the same is a very important stage of brain development. He calls this phenomenon as the "use it or loose it principle."  What a teenager does or doesn't do in this stage can affect him/her for the rest of his/her life.

He says that," "If a teen is doing music or sports or academics, those are the cells and connections that will be hardwired. If they're lying on the couch or playing video games or MTV, those are the cells and connections that are going to survive."

Warning:

The findings of Jay Geidd and his colleagues have thrown open new windows for understanding how the brain develops. However, knowing the structure of a brain is not the same as knowing its function.

Why do teens respond differently?

One reason is because teens react differently to emotional situations or information than adults, and this can be attributed to the use of different parts of their brain as compared to adults.

First few years are the most crucial years for a child's brain development: A Fallacy?

A lot has been said about the importance of exposing children to different stimuli at the initial years of their life. If not done, then they are at a risk of missing out on important brain development. Let's hear what Sara Spinks of Frontline has to say about this notion.

According to Sarah, the brain for most part is not limited to development during certain stages. Rather the development of the brain is a lifelong process.

We are yet to know and scientists are yet to unravel many more mysteries of the human brain. But the good thing is that we are learning new truths and discarding fallacies from time to time.

However, understanding how teen brains works will make you more patient, and help you develop a better relationship with a teen.