The current structure of education institutions and classrooms do not necessarily support multiple ways of learning and processing information. The ancient debate of nurture versus nature is alive and well in this interpretation of the brain-based and related research. Researchers agree that environmental factors do make a difference. Many of these studies point to nutrition and its effect on learning from a biological and psychological position. It should be realized at this point that for the nine months of intrauterine life and for a short but undetermined postnatal period, brain growth and development will be largely genetically determined.
Environmental factors are the key ingredients of optimal learning.
For example, studies point to the effects of stress on learning. When we feel stressed, our adrenal glands release a peptide called cortisol. Our body responds with cortisol whether it faces physical, environmental, academic, or emotional danger. This triggers a string of physical reactions including depression of the immune system, tensing of the large muscles, blood-clotting, and increasing blood pressure. It s the perfect response to the unexpected presence of a saber-toothed tiger.