Analysis Of Frances E. Jensen's Talk: The Teenaged Young Adult Brain

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In Frances E. Jensen’s talk “The Teenaged Young Adult Brain: A Paradox in Transition”, the reality of a teenager’s behavior was slowly revealed through the biology of the brain. As it turns out, teenagers have good reason for immature behavior; their brains are the last organ to mature, taking until the mid to late 20s to finish developing connectivity between the frontal lobe and the back of the brain. This means that teenagers have synapses that are more excitatory than adults, and through repeated activation, can cause a larger response and increase learning. Dr. Jensen also discussed the effect of alcohol, marijuana, and sleep deprivation on the synaptic plasticity and long term potentiation (LTP) of the brain. When drugs are used or sleep is lost, the plasticity and LTP of the brain is blocked, and can alter synapses, impairing learning and potentially causing brain damage. …show more content…

Jensen’s talk is her assertion that IQ can actually be changed during adolescence because adolescent synaptic plasticity is just so much more responsive than in adults. The reality that reading ability can influence subsequent changes in verbal IQ is thrilling, because that means hard work actually can influence intelligence, instead of it being a static value. This fact actually reminds me of the “fixed mindset” versus the “growth mindset” idea; those who believe that intelligence can be changed actually do increase their intelligence, while those with the fixed mindset cannot improve. In addition, it gives hope to those with learning disabilities or those with Autism. With work and practice on specific skills, verbal IQ can improve and make life

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