Emergent Learning presenter series - Maximizing Ability through Cognitive Neuropsychology

Here's another one of the amazing presenters at the upcoming Emergent Learning: Turning Tides in 21st Century Education conference.  Be sure to register now for to be a part of this presentation and many others we'll be offering!

The Bridgeway team

Maximizing Ability - A Cognitive Neuropsychology Approach

By Dr. Erica Baker

Erica Baker & Associates

Don't be frightened by the title! In fact if you've never heard of neuropsychology or neuroplasticity (another scary sounding term you’ll hear me use), you are the perfect audience for this presentation. This is a talk for parents, teachers, and anyone who needs a reminder about the possibility for positive change and growth in our children...our students...ourselves.

Basically, neuropsychology is the study of the brain and how it relates to our daily functioning (e.g., thinking and problem solving, memory, mental speed, attention, academic learning, etc.).  Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to change with experience and activities.

Whether learning to crawl, talk, dance, read, play piano, write, drive a car, solve algebra problems... our experiences create brain pathways (circuits) that make us who we are and what we know.

Essentially, the brain gets better the more we use it and it changes in structure and function throughout our lives.

In this presentation, I'll attempt to review some of the research to support neuroplasticity, explain how the brain’s ability to change in structure and function is relevant to all of us, and hopefully motivate and encourage you to take the opportunity to help and encourage others to discover their abilities, talents and passions.