Henrietta and Alan Leiner have produced interesting research on the cerebellum through using fMRI's. Their work reveals unexpected and widespread connections from the cerebellum to the prefrontal cortex and limbic system. Their research shows that it can perform not only motor but also mental functions and timing functions. How the cerebellum contributes to this cognitive advantage is well worth investigating, particularly because this may help to clarify how language was able to evolve in our species. There is much information now available through all the media for parents and teachers on the effects of nutrition and how to create environments that are positive, stimulating, and nurturing for the young child.
Less information is available regarding the dramatic changes that occur in adolescence.
Some years ago Herman Epstein studied brain-growth spurts and plateau periods. He suggested that periods of rapid brain growth are the times for intellectually challenging curriculum, and that plateau periods, such as in adolescence, are the times for more concrete, experiential learning rather than pushing students too soon into abstract thinking. Although the studies lost favor because of his research methods, most middle school teachers recognized in their students the characteristics he described. Also in some cases, the studies were inappropriately applied by watering down the curriculum and lowering expectations with poor results and many protests from parents. In the last few years newspapers, magazines, television, and radio have announced the latest information about the brain in piecemeal fashion.