Adrenaline

From WikEd

1 Descriptions, definitions, synonyms, organizer terms, types of
2 Structure and Chemistry of Adrenaline
3 Application in and effects on classrooms and similar settings
4 Evidence of effectiveness
5 Critics and their rationale
6 Alternative explanations due to Diversity considerations
7 Signed "life experiences", testimonies and stories
8 References and other links of interest

Descriptions, definitions, synonyms, organizer terms, types of

According to medicinenet.com adrenaline is a substance produced by the medulla (inside) of the adrenal gland, adrenaline (the official name in the British Pharmacopoeia) is synonymous with epinephrine. Technically speaking, adrenaline is a sympathomimetic catecholamine. It causes quickening of the heart beat, strengthens the force of the heart's contraction, opens up the bronchioles in the lungs and has numerous other effects. The secretion of adrenaline by the adrenal is part of the "fight-or-flight" reaction that we have in response to being frightened.

Adrenaline dependence is essentially a conditioned state characterized by overindulgence in the stimulating effects of overt conflict. Under such circumstances men are prone to commit violent acts because their urge to conflict becomes uncontrollable. When reflecting upon the horror, tragedy and bloodshed caused in the world by the release of this innate urge to resolve conflict, we come to realize that most other factors affecting man’s existence are relatively unimportant by comparison. In the columns of daily newspapers we can find accounts of deaths in speeding cars, holdups, rapes, murders and news or war and conflict in many parts of the world. When it is realizes that most of these evils can be traced to conditioning to the stimulating effects of overt conflict, we can understand just how serious the situation really is.

Structure and Chemistry of Adrenaline

http://wik.ed.uiuc.edu/images/0/07/Adren.gif

Adrenaline, a natural stimulant produced in the adrenal glands, is structurally related to the synthetic amphetamine stimulants. Adrenaline and other stress hormones are present at higher levels in people suffering from depression. Learning is inhibited by high levels of these compounds.

Application in and effects on classrooms and similar settings

Evidence of effectiveness

Critics and their rationale

Alternative explanations due to Diversity considerations

Signed "life experiences", testimonies and stories

I've noticed that many students stress over when they are called on. These are types of student who go through the day just taking notes and hope they don't get called on due to the fact they are unsure of themselves. They might know the answer or not. However, due to the fact that adrenaline is pumping through their body, they cannot think as well because they are not expecting to be called on. These students need to become more prepared in a classroom becuase these quick responses are necessary for the real world. - John N. Janowiak

When a baby less than forty-eight hours old is dropped and caught in the air, the labyrinths within the ears are greatly disturbed by this sudden motion and strong nervous impulses are sent to alert the brain to danger. The brain in turn dispatches a message throughout the body and to the adrenal glands via the hypothalamus. Adrenaline is immediately secreted, and automatic reflex of fear is completed and the baby cries out. He may even vomit. Later, as the infant develops a tolerance to the stimulation from repeated falls, it laughs with pleasure. Such labyrinthine stimulation is an essential result of all fast motion.

As a coach I have noticed that adrenaline can be both good and bad. Sometimes a player can use adrenaline to improve their performance. The key is that the person must learn how to control this additional energy rush. On the other hand adrenaline can hurt some people. Athletes will get themselves all pumped up before an activity and then the adrenaline will go away and so will the performance of the athlete. This is an example of where the athlete has not yet learned to control this situation. Bret Helms

I think this page could starts out very interesting. Adrenaline can obviously be applied to a classroon setting. For example, what part does adrenaline play in motivation. What other ways is adrenaline triggered in a classroom setting? I have found that when I am under a lot of pressure to do an assignment I get signs of an adrenaline rush, but then again, it could be the caffeine. -S. Peduzzi