Re: Wired Science 4-11-2012 DNA Ain’t Destiny. No Kidding “you are — a constant conversation between your genes and the environment, which includes both you and the surrounding world” Yes, it can’t be said enough that genes do not programmatically determine who we become. And, the way you put it is a big improvement over the old dichotomy of nature v nurture […]
From Science 2.0: Of 3,500 college applicants, more than a third couldn’t report their weight accurately. The heavier they were, the less accurate their estimates. “This misperception is important because the first step in dealing with a weight problem is knowing that you have one,” said Margarita Teran-Garcia, a University of Illinois professor of food science […]
Learning (v) is the exercise of intelligence. Learning(n) is the memory-effects of the exercise of intelligence (like muscle-effects result from physical exercise). To whatever degree our intelligences (physical, emotional, cognitive, linguistic, social, spiritual, visual, musical, etc..) aren’t genetically determined, our intelligences grow – extend – adapt – evolve – improve (whatever other word you might prefer) […]
Re: “U.S. Education Woes Threaten National Security, Report Says” Education Week 3-20-2012 Of course everything about the future ultimately depends on our children’s learning. Certainly the economy and how well it resources traditional national security activities is one dimension. But the bigger issue is how well our nation learns. We as a nation must learn […]
Neuroplasticity Noun The state or quality of being neuroplastic, of having a brain that adapts to experience (wiki) neuro- a combining form meaning “nerve,” “nerves,” “nervous system,”used in the formation of compound words: neurology. plastic capable of being molded or of receiving form NEUROPLASTICTY: ANOTHER WORD FOR LEARNING PLEASE… We can’t sustain our efforts without your help. If you think we are on the right track, or even one that should be given consideration, then please help […]
e-volve v. e·volved, e·volv·ing, e·volves v.tr. 1. a. To develop or achieve gradually: evolve a style of one’s own. b. To work (something) out; devise: “the schemes he evolved to line his purse” (S.J. Perelman). 2. Biology To develop (a characteristic) by evolutionary processes. 3. To give off; emit. v.intr. 1. To undergo gradual change; develop: an amateur acting group that evolved into a theatrical company. 2. Biology To develop or arise […]
a·dapt v. a·dapt·ed, a·dapt·ing, a·dapts v.tr. To make suitable to or fit for a specific use or situation. v.intr. To become adapted: a species that has adapted well to winter climes. ad·ap·ta·tion n. 1. a. The act or process of adapting. b. The state of being adapted. 2. a. Something, such as a device or mechanism, that is changed or changes so as to become suitable to […]
Albert Einstein is often quoted as having said that “Common sense is the collection of prejudices acquired by age eighteen.” What does Einstein mean by using the word ‘acquired’ if not ‘obtained through learning’? Some kind of some machine-like or equally unconscious magical process of internalizing or possessing? Robotically/animalistically choiceless imbibement? Magically/spiritually bestowed? What else could ‘acquire’ mean? In the context […]
Re: Kids’ Cognition Is Changing—Education Will Have to Change With It (The Atlantic 2-29-12) Real educational reform must start with reforming the very mission of education. In the face of the ever increasing rate of techno-social-workplace changes taking place we have to stop assuming that ‘what we think children should learn is more important than […]
INTERHEART Study: Over 90% of heart attacks (myocardial infractions) can be attributed to lifestyle. America Cancer Society: There is an 82% correlation between lifestyles and cancers. Lifestyle (n.): First used in 1921 by psychologist Alfred Adler for “a person’s basic character as established early in childhood”. Since 1961 the word has broadly meant, “a way or style of living” […]
