Neuroscience and Neuromyths for teachers

Neuromyths quiz

Neuromyths often originate from authentic science which has then become misinterpreted or over interpreted. That makes it difficult, but also important, to understand which part is fact and which is fiction.

Carry out this quick TRUE/FALSE survey (from Howard Jones, 2013) on some teachers, learners and friends. You may be surprised how common neuromyths are. The answers are in brackets.

A. We mostly only use 10% of our brains (FALSE - we use all our brains all the time).

B. Exercise can improve mental function (TRUE – see following box).

C. Co-ordination exercises can improve integration of left and right hemispheric brain function (FALSE –see box below).

D. Children are more attentive after sugary drinks and snacks (TRUE - although not healthy in other ways, sugary snacks actually increase attention .

E. Regular drinking of caffeinated drinks reduces alertness (TRUE- regular caffeine, e.g. two cans of caffeinated soft drink a day, reduces children’s cognitive function by initiating counter-regulatory changes in the brain.

F. Individuals learn better when they receive information in their preferred learning style (FALSE – see box below).