What is Brainjogging?
Like an athlete tones his body for physical endurance and performance, toning the mind will enhance mental endurance and performance. Recent advances such as the functional MRI and PET scan have given scientists the ability to measure brain activity objectively and compare the activities of "normal" students against those with particular disabilities. Brainjogging was developed based upon published scientific research on increasing learning efficiency and proficiency through building and strengthening of synaptic nerve connections.
Camp Academia has achieved phenomenal results with a wide spectrum of learning disabilities by specifically tailoring the Brainjogging program to students based on consultation results. Students who Brain Jog five to seven minutes, two to three times daily rapidly begin to improve their capacity for learning. Camp Academia's Brainjogging has been responsible for improvements in:
- Attention level
- Perceptual and processing abilities
- Amount of tutoring / studying / homework time
- Motor skills
- Long term memory retention ability
Areas of success include Dyslexia, Language Processing Deficiencies, ADD/HD, Asperger’s Syndrome, PDD and Autism.
“Since starting the Brainjogging program the number of hours spent assisting our child with his homework continues to drastically decrease, yet our child's grades keep improving.” – Parent of 8th Grader
How does Brainjogging work?
According to the Salk Institute of Brain Research, "All of the thoughts, desires, and instructions that are sent throughout the brain make use of a process called synaptic transmission. In this process, one nerve cell or neuron "speaks" to adjacent nerve cells across which nerve cells communicate." Synapses are found at the end of axons, the parts of nerve cells that act as "wires" extending to adjacent nerve cells. Communication across the tiny gap between sending and receiving cells is accomplished by employing transmitters and receptors. The cell on the sending end of the synapse contains pockets full of neurotransmitter molecules, which are released when an impulse reaches the end of a nerve. These transmitter molecules travel across the gap and attach to receptors on the adjacent cell. As between a lock and key, the binding is highly specific, each neurotransmitter recognizing and grabbing hold of only a specific type of receptor. Once a receptor has attached to, or "bound" its transmitter, the receiving cell is triggered to send an impulse down its length, then release its own transmitters from the sending end. This stimulates the next cell in the chain, propelling messages throughout the brain and the nervous system.
Charles Stevens M.D., Ph.D. brain researcher at the Salk Institute is especially interested in the plasticity (flexibility) of synaptic connections. His interest arises from the fact changes in the strength of the synapse are one of the most important ways in which neural circuits adapt, and are therefore of great significance in learning and memory. Dr. Stevens has found that connections between nerve cells are not static, . Instead, their efficiency can vary over time in response to use. The synapses in a frequently used circuit will gradually become more proficient in transmission, and the task will be accomplished more easily.
Brainjogging was created to exercise the nerve circuits and improve learning transmission and ease of task completion. Based on proven results, we believe Brainjogging is the best solution available to increase learning potential. Teachers' comments, parents' comments, pre and post-standardized testing, and report card grades all support this fact.
How is it tailored to an individual students needs?
Brainjogging provides the stimulus for the response. If the stimulus needs to be for reading, a "reading module" will be provided to the student. If the student is having difficulty with language, then the stimulus will be provided in a module specifically directed to Wernicke's, Broca's and Geschwind's areas, areas of the brain required for processing language. By frequently using the circuits necessary for the skill of reading, math, or language, the circuits will gradually become more proficient in transmission. Brainjogging offers a personalized program tailored to your child. Reading will be easier! Math will make sense! Language will be understood!
How is it diferent from tutoring?
“Brainjogging is more effective than tutoring! After only one year, my child received the President's Education Award Recognition of Outstanding Academic Excellence! I feel that Camp Academia's Brainjogging has given our family a normal, happier life." - Parent of 7th Grader
Brainjogging prepares the student's mind to learn by training the brain to process information in a more efficient manner. Tutoring is only effective IF the brain is ready to learn. The time committment to get the full benefits of Brainjogging is small, only about 15-20 minutes a day.
How do you start the Systems and Methods for Brainjogging Program?
Initial Evaluation :Students are evaluated to find learning strengths and weaknesses. An individual education plan is then designed for each student and implemented through Brainjogging. Initial Client Setup: Brainjogging software is installed on your computer and instruction is given based uponevaluation results. Parents and student are trained and results become quickly apparent. Recurring Monthly Evaluation: Each month, the student’s data file from Brainjogging is evaluated. Changes are considered based upon progress in the student data file and other external information. Progress with Brainjogging is often reinforced with our monthly Academic Reserves and Summer Camps.