Active learning ideas
This topic explores the dynamic nature of the brain, challenging the old belief that the adult brain is static. Students investigate neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to reorganise its structure and function in response to experience, learning, or injury. This includes developmental plasticity in infants and adaptive plasticity in adults. The study of brain damage, including acquired brain injuries (ABI), provides a window into how specific regions of the brain govern different behaviours and what happens when those systems are disrupted.
Activity 01
Place posters around the room detailing different cases of brain damage (e.g., H.M., Phineas Gage, local Australian examples of stroke recovery). Students move in pairs to identify the damaged area and the resulting behavioural changes.
What is neuroplasticity and when does it occur?
Activity 02
Students attempt a simple motor task (like mirror writing or drawing with their non-dominant hand). They discuss the frustration and the eventual improvement, linking their experience to the concept of neural pathway strengthening.
How does acquired brain injury affect behaviour and cognition?
Activity 03
Students take on roles such as an occupational therapist, a neurologist, and a family member. They must collaborate to create a 'recovery plan' for a patient with a specific brain injury, focusing on how to use adaptive plasticity.
What can case studies of brain damage teach us about brain function?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Brain damage is always permanent and cannot be overcome.
Students often overlook the brain's remarkable ability to 'rewire' itself. Using success stories of rehabilitation helps demonstrate that while neurons might not regrow, other areas can often take over lost functions.
We only use 10% of our brains.
This is a persistent myth. Teachers can use brain imaging data in a gallery walk to show that almost every part of the brain has a known function and is active even during sleep.
Methods used in this brief
The Origins and Scope of Psychology
An exploration of the historical development of psychology and the various contemporary perspectives used to understand human behaviour.
8 methodologies
Structure and Function of the Nervous System
An examination of the central and peripheral nervous systems, focusing on the role of neurons and neurotransmitters in transmitting information.
8 methodologies