The Effect of Environmental Factors on Learning

Discuss how the environment affects learning.

Learning is the process of acquiring facts,skills and methods which can be stored and reproduced as necessary. It is interpreting and understanding reality in a different

way, learning involves comprehending the world by reinterpreting knowledge (Ramsden,1992). The process of learning begins from birth, a young child experiences significant brain development which is imperative for visual health, limb coordination, posture and overall physical and mental well being. From the moment of entering the word to the moment we scientifically cease existing human beings are constantly learning how to cope,coexist, and be productive with the state of their environment. The environment’s both physical and social conditions significantly impacts the life of its inhabitants . The physical environment however can impact the learning capabilities of a person from the fourth week into a pregnancy, as it is at this stage where the human brain begins to develop. At this stage a fetus does not have a functional blood barrier to protect against neurotoxic insult. An article printed in the Unites States Nation Library of Medicine presented that environmental and chemical exposure factors can cause neurotoxic damage to the delicate brain growth processes in an unborn child during pregnancy, thereby demonstrating potential to cause Learning Disabilities .

The Risks of mercury and lead poisoning is very present in the environment, and researches from the past three decades have proven the presence of heavy metals in our environment through paint,industrial and vehicular exhaust,pipes and even children’s toys.Many items recommended for children have sources of toxic material such as mercury,which ...

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...at molds us, like our genetic composition,it is what defines us and to a major extent,our capabilities.We should take on the initiative to create and maintain a positive and clean environment which will produce very capable individuals, who are able to productively play their part in the advancement of the human race.

Work Cited

Garbino,J. (1999) Raising Children in Socially Toxic Environment ,San Francisco:Jossey-Bass inc.

Ramsden,P.(1992) Learning to Teach in Higher Education. London: Routedge.

Jay,P. (2009). Special-Education Needs Help. The National Review. Retrieved April 21,2011, From http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=112841783

U.S. Census Bureau. 2000. New York City Department of City Planning.NY. Retrieved

April 21,2011, From http://www.nyc.gov/html/dcp/html/census/popcur.shtml.