Cognitive Functions

Introduction The functioning of human brain is one of the most complex systems studied by the scientists. Even after so many years of research, there still remain parts if the brain the functions of which are not yet known. Everything that we do is controlled by our brain even the slightest injury can have adverse effects on normal human functioning.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Cognitive Functions specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Thomas Willis, also known as the father of neurology, was the first to suggest that different parts of the brain were responsible for different cognitive functions (Molnar, 2004). Cognitive functions may be defined as â€Å"any mental process that involves symbolic operations e.g. perception, memory, creation of imagery, and thinking; Cognitive functions encompasses awareness and capacity for judgement† (Medical Dictionary, 2010). It is now an established fact the different pa rts of human brain control different activities. To develop a better understanding, the human brain is said to be composed of three concentric layers: Central core, the limbic system, and the cerebral hemisphere (Joseph, 1992). Central Core: Most of the brain stem is a part of the central core. It controls a number of reflexes including breathing and also helps in standing upright (Atkinson, Hilgard, Atkinson, 1983). The central core is composed of cerebellum, thalamus and hypothalamus, Pons, medulla, and the reticular system (Patestas Gartner, 2006). All these part have a special function to perform, for instance the hypothalamus controls the visceral and somatic function like temperature and metabolism while the medulla takes care of reflexes such as heart beat, respiration, and blood pressure (Atkinson, Hilgard, Atkinson, 1983). The Limbic System: The limbic system is made of Amygdala and the Hippocampus. The Amygdala performs the cognitive function of emotions and the behavio ural, autonomic, as well and endocrine response to the stimulus present in the environment (Cristinzio Vuilleumier, 2007). When the amygdala is damaged, it may result in impaired emotional functioning of an individual and the lack of â€Å"social significance of sensory events†¦[such as] attention, memory [etc]† (Cristinzio Vuilleumier, 2007, pp.87). The hippocampus on the other hand is responsible for memories, their storage and retreival which is an importan cognitive function (Swenson, 2010).Advertising Looking for essay on physiology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Cerebral Cortex: The cerbral cortex is the thick layer which covers the cerebrum which is filled with myelinated axons and control some of our most complex cognitive activities (Atkinson, Hilgard, Atkinson, 1983). The cerebral cortex is divided into different parts: the occipital lobe which controls vision and processes the visual information; th e Temporal lobe is responsible for smell, hearing, language, motivation, etc; the Parietal lobe which controls spatial abilities and sensory projection; and the Frontal lobe is responsible for the thought process which are required to solve problems, coordination of messages received from other parts of the brain, controls many parts of personality, concentration, etc (Atkinson, Hilgard, Atkinson, 1983). Many functions of the frontal lobe were discovered after the severe injuries suffered by Phineas Gage. Phineas Gage Phineas Gage (1823-1860) was a railroad construction foreman who suffered some extreme injuries in the head at the age of 25, when an iron rod, 1.1 mm long and 6 mm in diameter weighing 6 kg, drove through his head coming out from in left cheek (Leach O’Driscoll, 1998). After bleeding continuously for two day and five weeks of treatment by Dr. Harlow, Gage regained his consciousness and was able to go back to his normal routine (Leach O’Driscoll, 1998) . The case did not end there as Dr. Harlow continued to observe Gage after the treatment to see the effects of the injury. After the accident some significant changes were noticed in the personality of Gage by his wife and other people around him. Before the injuries, Gage was considered to be one of the most efficient workers by his employers but the change in his personality was so severe that they forced to change their opinion about him and his friends even said that after the accident he was no lone the Gage they knew earlier (Cuizon, 2009). In the accident mainly the frontal lobe of Gage was damaged and Dr. Harlow concluded that due to the damage done to frontal lobe, Gage had completely lost his social inhibition which resulted in unacceptable behaviour (Cuizon, 2009). The case of Phineas Gage, though gruesome, contributed a lot to the neurobiology in the nineteenth century. It was because of the injuries of Phineas Gage that proved functions of the frontal lobe and that diff erent parts of the brain are responsible for different cognitive functions. Gage was able to fully recover and was physically fit. The only changes noticed were in his completely changed personality which was so extreme that his family and friends found it hard to believe that Gage was the same person they knew before the accident. It is one of the most amazing cases in the medical world and has revealed many facts about the brain and cognitive functions.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Cognitive Functions specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More References Atkinson, R. L., Hilgard, E. R., Atkinson, R. C. (1983). Introduction to Psychology. New York: harcourt Brace Jovanovich. Cristinzio, C., Vuilleumier, P. (2007). The Role of Amygdala in Emotional and Social Functions. Epileptologie , 78-89. Cuizon, G. (2009, March 2). The Amazing Case of Phineas Gage. Web. Joseph, R. (1992). The four ego personalities and the uncon scious child and parent within. New York: Plenum Press. Leach, J. P., O’Driscoll, K. (1998). â€Å"No longer Gage†: an iron bar through the head . BMJ , 1673–1674. Medical Dictionary. (2010). Cognitive function. Retrieved from Medical Dictionary: http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/cognitive+function Molnar, Z. (2004). Thomas Willis (1621-1675), the founder of clinical neuroscience. Nature Reviews Neuroscience , 329-335.Advertising Looking for essay on physiology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Patestas, M. A., Gartner, L. P. (2006). Neuroanatomy. New Jersey: Blackwell Publishing. This essay on Cognitive Functions was written and submitted by user Bryleigh Z. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

How to Be an Amazing and Successful Substitute Teacher

How to Be an Amazing and Successful Substitute Teacher Substitute teaching is one of the most difficult jobs in education. It is also one of the most important. It takes a remarkable person to be able to adapt effectively to all the situations that will be thrown at them as a substitute teacher. Substitute teachers are used in virtually every school across the country every day. It is vital for school administrators to compose a list of top notch people who can successfully substitute teach. Flexibility and adaptability are probably the two most important characteristics that a substitute teacher must possess. They must be flexible due to the fact that they are often not called until the morning of the day they are needed. They must be adaptable because they could be subbing in a second-grade classroom one day and a high school English class the next. There are even times when their assignment will change from the time they are called to the time they actually arrive. Although it is beneficial for a substitute to be a certified teacher, it is not a requirement or necessity. A person without formal training in education can be a successful substitute. Being a good substitute teacher starts with an understanding of what you are expected to do and also knowing that the students are going to test the waters to see what they can get away with and be equipped to deal with any obstacles. Before You Sub Some school districts require new substitutes to attend some type of formal training before they are placed on the substitute list while others do not. No matter the case, you should always try to schedule a short meeting to introduce yourself to the building principal. Use this time to let them know who you are, ask them for any advice, and find out any specific protocol they may have for substitute teachers. Sometimes it is impossible to meet with the teacher but always do so if you have the opportunity. Although meeting the teacher in person is ideal, a simple phone conversation can be extremely beneficial. The teacher can walk you through their schedule, provide you with specific details, and give you a lot of other relevant information that will make your day go smoother. Always try to obtain a copy of the school’s student handbook. Have a solid understanding of what the school expects from their students and teachers. Some schools may even have a substitute policy designed to protect substitutes from poor student behavior. Carry the student handbook with you and refer to it when necessary. Don’t be afraid to ask the principal or a teacher for clarification. It is essential to understand that every district has its own unique student handbook. While there will be similarities, there will also be significant differences. It is essential that you learn each school’s procedures for emergency situations such as a fire, tornado, or lock-down. Taking the time to have a firm understanding of what is expected of you in these situations can save lives. In addition to knowing the overall protocol for an emergency situation, it is also vital that you have knowledge of emergency routes specific to the room you are subbing in as well as how to lock the door if necessary. Being professional starts with how you dress. Make sure that you know the district’s dress code for teachers and adhere to it. It is equally crucial to understand that you are working with minors. Use appropriate language, don’t try to be their friends, and don’t get too personal with them. Meet with the School PrincipalVisit with the TeacherKnow the Student HandbookKnow Emergency ProtocolBe Professional While You Sub Arriving early is a key component of your day. There are so many things a substitute needs to do to ensure that they have a fantastic day before school begins. The first thing they need to do is to report to the appropriate place. After checking in, a substitute should spend the remainder of their time looking over the daily schedule and the lesson plans, making sure that they have a clear understanding of the material they will be required to teach that day. Getting to know the teachers in the rooms around you can provide you with a lot of assistance. They will likely be able to help you with questions specific to the schedule and the content. They may also be able to give you additional tips specific to your students that could benefit you. Finally, it can be beneficial to build a relationship with these teachers because you may have the opportunity to sub for them at some point. Every teacher runs their room different, but the overall makeup of the students in the room will always be the same. You will always have students who are class clowns, others who are quiet, and those that simply want to help. You want to identify the handful of students that will be helpful throughout the day quickly. These students can assist you with finding materials in the classroom, making sure you stay on schedule, etc. The classroom teacher will be able to tell you whom these students are if you are able to visit with them beforehand. This is the single most crucial component of being an effective substitute teacher. Students of all ages are going to push a substitute to see what they can get away with. Start the day off by setting your own expectations and rules. Don’t let them get away with anything. Hold them accountable for their actions and don’t be afraid to assign them consequences. If this doesn’t get their attention, then go ahead and refer them to the principal. Word will spread that you’re a no-nonsense substitute, and students will begin to challenge you less and less making your job much easier in the long run. The single biggest thing that will bother a regular classroom teacher about a substitute is for the substitute to deviate from their plans. The teacher leaves specific assignments that they fully expect to be completed when they return. Deviating or not completing these activities is seen as disrespectful, and you can bet that they will ask the principal not to put that substitute back in their room. Arrive EarlyGet to Know Surrounding TeachersIdentify the HelpersBe StrictStay on Task After You Sub A teacher wants to know how your day went. It is beneficial to include students that were helpful as well as the students that gave you problems. Be detailed including what they did and how you handled it. Address any issues you may have had with the curriculum. Finally, let them know that you enjoyed being in their classroom and give them your phone number to contact you should they have any additional questions. It is important that you leave the room in as good of or better condition than it was when you arrived. Do not let students leave materials or books strung out all over the room. At the end of the day, take a few minutes to have the students help pick up trash on the floor and get the classroom back in order. Leave a NoteStraighten the Room