Emerging Adult Brain (condensed version)

Unraveling the Mysteries of The Emerging Adult Brain : 

Unraveling the Mysteries of The Emerging Adult Brain Diana Hestwood, retired (but rewired) Minneapolis Community & Technical College AMATYC, Project ACCCESS, Nov. 21, 2008

Please note that this PowerPoint is intended for faculty, not students. : 

Please note that this PowerPoint is intended for faculty, not students. You are welcome to use it with the faculty in your school, or other not-for-profit educational settings. Please give appropriate credit if you use this PowerPoint. Encourage faculty to read one or more of the resource books on the next slide for additional information.

The Main Resources : 

The Main Resources Secrets of the Teenage Brain by Sheryl Feinstein Engaging ‘Tweens and Teens by Raleigh Philp Unleashing the Potential of the Teenage Brain by Barry Corbin

What do you know about Emerging Adults (ages 18-25)? : 

What do you know about Emerging Adults (ages 18-25)? What characteristics do you see in class? What are some limitations? What are some strengths?

Sources of new information : 

Sources of new information Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) funtional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)

Idea #1 for Teachers : 

Idea #1 for Teachers Physiological Change in the Brain Effect on Behavior There is tremendous overproduction of neurons, dendrites and synapses …. Followed by pruning (elimination) of unused neurons, dendrites, and synapses. Emerging adult brains are fascinated by, and seek out, novelty and emotion; they value surprise and unpredictability. Emerging adults also crave structure and organization, in spite of their attraction to novelty.

Idea #1 for Teachers : 

Idea #1 for Teachers What we see in our Classes What we can do in our Classes Short attention span   Like to be entertained Ask for lots of specific guidance (seem not to be independent) Provide short breaks Use new ideas and techniques Don’t get too predictable, but do provide structure and guidelines Be explicit

Important Take-Aways : 

Important Take-Aways The neural connections made by the emerging adult brain last a lifetime. The things they spend their time on (good or bad) influence what they know or do or become as adults. You are an important MODEL for behaviors you want to see in your students, such as risk taking, tolerance for ambiguity, enthusiasm for learning.

Idea #2 for Teachers : 

Idea #2 for Teachers Physiological Change in the Brain The frontal cortex is one of the last areas of the brain to fully develop. This affects impulse control, planning, hypothesizing, logical deduction and reasoning. Effect on Behavior Therefore, the young adult brain relies on the amygdala (seat of emotion) and tends to respond emotionally rather than logically. They also have trouble anticipating the consequences of their behavior.

An Analogy : 

An Analogy If you compare the teenage brain to a car, the gas pedal is pressed to the floor…

Slide 14: 

and the brakes are on back order!

Idea #2 for Teachers : 

Idea #2 for Teachers What we see in our Classes What we can do in our Classes Emotional responses Being defensive Lack of clarity about their ideas Lack of logic Act before thinking Be patient. Don’t take outbursts personally, but do explain why it is inappropriate. MODEL behavior you would like to see, and think aloud to demonstrate your reasoning. Let students practice identifying consequences to see cause and effect.

Important Take-Aways : 

Important Take-Aways Young adults need an opportunity to hear, see, and practice the steps in logical reasoning so that they gain clarity. Then they won’t be saying, “I can’t tell you how I got the answer; I just know it!” Young adults are watching YOU as a role model in class, the hall, and your office. Young adults need practice in looking ahead and imagining a range of outcomes.

Consequential Thinking?? : 

Consequential Thinking??

Idea #3 for Teachers : 

Idea #3 for Teachers Physiological Change in the Brain Effect on Behavior The corpus callosum becomes larger and thicker by creating more dendrites and synapses. The emerging adult brain grows in ability to handle more complex tasks that involve communication between many areas of the brain. The emerging adult brain is better able to understand itself in relation to others.

In this front-view MRI scan, the corpus callosum is the thin, slightly curved, white area of brain tissue in the center of the scan that connects the left hemisphere to the right hemisphere. : 

In this front-view MRI scan, the corpus callosum is the thin, slightly curved, white area of brain tissue in the center of the scan that connects the left hemisphere to the right hemisphere.

Idea #3 for Teachers : 

Idea #3 for Teachers What we see in our Classes What we can do in our Classes May seem “one sided” Can’t see other points of view Don’t realize how others view them Give feedback explicitly about seeing points of view and how they affect others. Give reasons for rules: “When you are late it interrupts the entire class.”

Important Take-Aways : 

Important Take-Aways Most mental tasks require communication between both hemispheres; the more complex the tasks, the more areas of the brain are needed to complete them. Self-awareness: the sense of self seems to be located in the right hemisphere and the sense of others in the left hemisphere (thus, we really need both).