Arrowsmith is a pioneer in applying neuroplasticity for human benefit.
Within the Arrowsmith School, and in collaboration with licensed organizations around the world, thousands of children and adults are leading rewarding lives with stronger brains.
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Each Arrowsmith exercise is highly specialized. One exercise for one cognitive function. This targeted design means only the intended function is strengthened. We call this targeted differential stimulation.
For example, to stimulate auditory memory, participants do not use any visual or tactile clues as we focus solely on exercising auditory retention. This means other cognitive functions are not interfering – either to help or hinder the participant’s experience in strengthening the targeted cognitive function.
Each targeted cognitive activity is designed to help participants be highly attentive to their task – they are empowered by the clear and singular goal of each session.
This precise design, as well as dedicated facilitator support, allows Arrowsmith participants to sustain their attention. Over time, enduring cognitive change happens. This active engagement is critical for neuroplastic change.
Each Arrowsmith exercise involves unfamiliar or novel material to stimulate the targeted function. This limits other cognitive functions from getting involved or compensating. This novel material is engaging for any age or ability - because it’s so different.
Our brains are designed to be attracted to novelty. Specific functions are activated, allowing them to be strengthened, because they’ve never been exposed to this material before. Thousands of levels of the exercises mean participants are always presented with material that’s challenging, yet achievable. As their capacity improves, the complexity increases – a good workout for the brain.
Arrowsmith leads to enduring gains, because participants spend sufficient practice enhancing and strengthening their cognitive capacity. We call this sustained engagement. They receive ongoing feedback and reward at every step of the way.
Goals are set each session: first striving for accuracy, then consistency, then speed – each are hallmarks of increasing ability and a stronger brain. This sustained practice also develops their prefrontal or executive function capacity, essential for focus in all aspects of life.
Neuroplasticity takes effort. A task that is too easy is not stimulating – our brain would be on ‘auto-pilot’. Too difficult and the brain cannot engage with the task – we feel discouraged, and engagement is limited.
Each Arrowsmith task presented to participants is calibrated to be challenging yet achievable. Effort leads to success and to mastery – and the reward is life-changing.
An efficient brain learns more easily. Through a cognitive approach, participants use their enhanced capacities in everyday intellectual activities. Communication, navigating social relationships, problem solving, retaining critical information, comprehension, and so on.
Every action and reaction is sharper and faster. Learning and performance are enhanced. Neuroplasticity provides a new landscape of possibility.
The true impact of an effective neuroplastic program is its translation to the real world. Research on outcomes for students in Arrowsmith has shown that as students’ brains change, they make significant and meaningful gains in their cognitive abilities, academic and life skills, and emotional and social well-being.
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