How Cell Phones are Changing the World
15 years ago
This Bear Is Up a Tree
photo by Scott Granneman
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
A Young Perspective on the Biology of the Brain and Emotions
You must read Tuesday's NY Times editorial by David Brooks. He talks about hot new research in the field of neuroscience by "leading figures ... in their 30s, and most of the work done by people in their 20s." This is not old fogy stuff -- see what your near peers say about why we hold the social and cultural beliefs we hold, particularly with regard to how we interact with others.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
It's funny how this article makes me feel as if humans are animals being monitored and studied, while at the same time it makes me grateful that people are caring about this kind of research. I hope in 50 years, kids in school won't be categorized by some sort of strange neuro standards presented by this type of research (AKA making them feel bad about themselves), but if used well, I think it could be very helpful in helping them tap into their potential and learn how to advance what their brain can do to give them optimal utility in life.
ReplyDeleteOver the fall break, I read a few pages of a book my sister handed me called Nurture Shock, and it was talking about how "parenting strategies" that parents have thought were the best, were actually doing the complete opposite of the intention. Such as, telling kids they're smart instead of applauding their effort, actually makes them NOT do as well. A lot of material on that book is based on all of the new research that people are doing, and although the results can make people uncomfortable, I think this new information about ourselves is important.
I work as a tutor for children and even though I feel bad because I am unable to fully devote everything I would like to in just two hours, to them, my spending time reading a book or making math more fun, means the world to them.
ReplyDeleteIt is receiving the attention, care, and applause for a job well done that so many children may not receive in the home.
I will admit that it is not just younger children but also college students too. After receiving my first Dean's List Award, I had proved something to my parents and all of a sudden, it was what was expected of me every time. The praises dissipate and pressure along with unwanted stress come into the picture of always proving but not receiving as much praise as the first time. You would think I thought "okay, I will fail this semester so I can have the attention back" only I do not because I know it will be negative attention not positive. Even when I reached a goal of obtaining a 4.0 last semester. It was "yay" for one day and then the excitement for me was over however my parents were telling everyone. In the end, I realized I had to not live the ideas of what my parents wanted rather what I want as well as knowing it is not all about grades (the minor hurdles) rather the degree (bigger concept). If my parents do not see a Dean's List this semester, they may be disappointed but to me I will have realized it is not all about education (have to balance all pieces of the puzzle not just one) plus I dealt with less stress, and was getting more out of learning about myself.
Unfortunately, people live society and sometimes we need a wake up call to realize it is our life. We should live it how we see fit not someone else.