Learning Challenges
Learning struggles take many forms. Perhaps you are just hoping that your child would show a greater interest in learning. As little ones, they are curious to learn. As the school years begin, they can’t wait to go buy their school supplies. Why did their excitement to learn change? Why are some children unmotivated to learn and engage?
Generational Changes:
Children born in the 21st century arrived in the technology age. Today the average use of devices is 4-5 hours per day. Prior to the crisis of 2020-2022 it was 1:5 children had difficulty learning. According to the information we have to date, there is a greater deficit on our children’s learning than prior to the crisis. We are seeing this in our practice, more children who struggle learning, lack of interest in learning, and no desire to work to improve their skills. Children need to learn through inquiry and hands-on.
The Impact on Children Being Away from Routine and School:
A two-year journey with the pandemic started as early as February 25, 2020, with a blunt call for school lockdowns. During this period 1.6 billion children were impacted by school closures. Schools abruptly shifted to an online program. Our children entered the twilight zone. Since this period began there has been a rise in mental health problems, cognitive problems, feelings of loss and isolation. School, either going to a school building or attending a home-school organization, is much more than just learning math, reading, or spelling, this is where our children build social skills, team skills, and confidence in themselves while respecting others. This shift to online versus in-person learning has left a devasting legacy on our children.
The Result:
One of the results of this period of time is an increased use of computers for teaching, doing homework, and communication. The point is not to say “computers are bad” but it is the application and how children are exposed to them that needs reflection.
When a child is given a device at age one rather than a tangible toy to touch and explore the sensory input is different. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends guidelines promoting age 3 as an acceptable time to begin using devices. Babies to toddlers need tangible sensory input to build their brain. Using a keypad is not the same as exploring with your hands. Looking at a screen, which is 2D, is not the same as moving through a 3D space.
With the increased use of devices from our school-age years to college, most individuals have acquired a growing dependence on their use. The working memory is designed to hold many things at one time. If we try to juggle too many things at once, tipping the cognitive load, you may not be able to comprehend, analyze, or retain information.
Development of Motivation:
While there are many theories behind the development of motivation:
- Instinctive
- Incentive
- Drive
- Arousal
- Humanistic
- Expectancy
Human development begins with the ability to become aroused or alert and a desire to attend to the desire. Arousal facilitates interaction with the environment in a context-specific manner. For example, playing a video game where a threatening condition is created, some stimuli must be ignored while sensitivity to and responses to others is enhanced, as exemplified in the startle reflex which is a grownup Moro.
These responses will impact our body’s regulatory systems by increasing or decreasing the activity of hormones and neurotransmitters. The impact of a dysregulated arousal system can positively reinforce the action, but not negatively reinforce behaviors.
The CMB Difference:
At CMB, we have a 3-tier approach to evaluate your child’s unique developmental story.
- Brain – A comprehensive approach through QEEG will identify how your child’s brain is wired from the bottom up;
- Chemistry – Evaluate your child’s internal biology through functional labs;
- Mechanical – A thorough assessment of your child’s developmental milestone acquisition.
Let’s track your child’s progress. We educate your family on working this process together for the greatest success. You learn how the body works, what the body needs, and create a new blueprint for a bright future.
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