Chronic stress and anxiety in everyday life can lead to sympathetic hyperactivity. This can be ob... more Chronic stress and anxiety in everyday life can lead to sympathetic hyperactivity. This can be observed as behavioral, chemical, and neurological changes, including increased rumination, anxiety, and depression, and chemical changes in biological markers like homocysteine. In the EEG, increased beta (13-30 Hz) wave activity, especially high beta (> 20 Hz) has long been noted in anxiety states. However, recent research indicates that low beta waves (13-20 Hz) may play a role as well. The current paper presents a pilot study that assessed the Neurocycle's efficacy as a nonpharmacological mind-management therapy for people who struggle with anxiety and depression. We assessed psychometrics, blood-serum homocysteine levels, and quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG). Efficacy of the Neurocycle was demonstrated by improved psychometric selfassessment over the study. We observed a positive correlation between subject's low beta relative power and homocysteine levels. The findings validate the Neurocycle's efficacy for improving mental health as measured by behavioral, chemical, and neurological measures. Altogether, these findings support low beta's role in stress/anxiety manifestation given that its modulation significantly correlated with stress biomarkers in patients' blood samples and stress and anxiety self-assessments. Future work should expand these findings with larger datasets to confirm the ranges of healthy and maladaptive low beta.
South African Journal of Communication Disorders, 1993
Although the roots of the Mind-Mapping approach (MMA) reach back into the depths of psychology, i... more Although the roots of the Mind-Mapping approach (MMA) reach back into the depths of psychology, it is our growing understanding of the human brain, how it functions, what affects it, how we can assist it - which has become the real foundation for the model discussed in this paper. By finding ways of creating environments that are brain compatible - or rather - brain enhancing, we can begin to serve the whole person in all his dimensions. In this paper the need for language and culture "free" therapeutic techniques will be discussed. Reference is made to the author's research where the MMA was used very successfully with a closed head injured (CHI) client in order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the technique. The problem of CHI is also discussed. In addition, a brief theoretical review of the brain as it pertains to the concept of the MMA is offered. In the conclusion, it is suggested that global techniques such as the MMA, which are based on fundamental and univer...
South African Journal of Communication Disorders, 1997
The current article suggests that alternatives to the current traditional learning methods are es... more The current article suggests that alternatives to the current traditional learning methods are essentials if learning institutions are to provide people with effective life skills that enable them to be autonomous learners. This suggestion is based on a body of literature on alternative learning which stresses the need for fundamental change and hence, a paradigm shift in perception of learning in order to cope with the world-wide information explosion. The alternative non-traditional approach proposed in geodesic learning which stresses learning how to learn and self-directed inquiry as essential life skills which enable systems as well as the people in the systems to bring about their own transformation in response to changing situations and requirements. The current article discusses an alternative service delivery model, the geodesic information processing model, which falls within the realms of the geodesic philosophy. The implications of this alternative approach for the speec...
The current study identifies the reasons why change in traditional perceptions of learning is nee... more The current study identifies the reasons why change in traditional perceptions of learning is needed by tracing the philosophies of traditional methods and their effect on the perception of learning, and proposes an alternative geodesic approach, the Mind-Mapping Approach (MMA). Inherent in the model is the implication that traditional methods do not facilitate effective holistic thinking and as a result, do not produce effective lifelong learners. Extrapolated from the MMA model and its assumptions, is a practical framework, the MMA, that, when implemented within learning environments, will foster geodesic thinking which is in natural compliance with the functioning of the brain and therefore to be preferred. The study tested the validity of the above assumption by providing training in an alternative geodesic approach, the MMA, to a group of 45 teachers and therapists that work with learning disabled pupils this comprised the first experiment of this study. The teachers and therapists in turn used the MMA methods with their pupils (639)this comprised the second experiment of the study. In this way both the MMA as a geodesic framework, and the actual effectiveness of the MMA training programme in conveying geodesic principles, were evaluated. The results indicated that although significant benefit was derived by the teachers and therapists from the MMA training, these were conservative. Furthermore, the overall longitudinal trends of the pupils' results also indicated that a significant positive change was experienced by the pupils with the introduction of the MMA methods, but not to the extent predicted. It is speculated that this conservative, although significantly positive improvement in the teachers, therapists and pupils is attributed to the fact that the MMA methods are geodesic facilitating improved thinking, problem-solving and research skills, and innovative learning. However traditional methods of teacher training, testing and evaluating do not facilitate these skills as their emphasis is on the accrual as opposed to creation of facts. It is possible therefore that the conservatively positive results of this study reflect the "carry-over" effect of geodesic training. It can be said that the partial application of the MMA methods by the teachers and therapists did improve the performance of the pupils and that this study was therefore successful, but that the results would have been more positive had the pupils been evaluated in a way that matched the geodesic training. In addition, the study provides valuable information regarding the effect of geodesic systems on traditional systems of learning. Afrikaans: Hierdie studie identifiseer die redes vir die noodsaaklikheid om tradisionele leerpersepsies te verander deur die filosofiee van tradisionele metodes en hul effek op die leerpersepsie na te gaan, en dit stel 'n altematiewe geodetiese benadering voor, bekend as die breinkaartbenadering (BKB) (Engels: mind-mapping approach (MMA) ). Inherent in die model is die implikasie dat tradisionele metodes nie doeltreffend holistiese denke voorthelp nie, en gevolglik nie doeltreffende lewenslange leerlinge voortbring nie. 'n Praktiese raamwerk word uit die BKB-model en sy aannames ekstrapoleer, nl die BKB wat, wanneer dit binne leeromgewings geimplementeer word, geodetiese denke sal bevorder wat 1n natuurlike voldoening is met die funksionering van die brein en derhalwe verkieslik is. Die studie het die geldigheid van die bogenoemde aanname getoets deur opleiding in 'n altematiewe geodetiese benadering, die BKB, te verskaf aan 'n groep vna 45 onderwysers en terapeute wat met leergestremde leerlinge werk. Dit het die eerste eksperiment van die studie uitgemaak. Die onderwysers en terapeute het op hul beurt die BKB-metodes met hulleerlinge (639) gebruik, wat die tweede eksperiment van die studie uitgemaak het. Sodoende is beide die BKB as 'n geodetiese raamwerk en die eintlike doeltreffendheid van die BKBopleidingsprogram in die oordra van geodetiese beginsels geevalueer. Die resultate het aangedui dat, alhoewel onderwysers en terapeute beduidend baat gevind het by die BKBopleiding, dit konserwatief was. Verder het die langstendense van die leerlinge se resultate ook aangedui dat 'n noemenswaardige positiewe verandering deur leerlinge ervaar is met die invoering van die BKB-metodes, maar nie in die mate wat voorspel is nie. Daar word bereken dat die konserwatiewe, alhoewel aansienlik positiewe verbetering in die onderwysers, terapeute en leerlinge toeskryfbaar is aan die feit dat die BKB-metodes geodeties is, wat verbeterde denke, probleemoplossing en navorsingsvaardighede, sowel as innoverende leer moontlik maak. Tradisionele leer-, opleidings-, toetsen evalueringsmetodes fasiliteer egter nie hierdie vaardighede nie, aangesien die klem op die memorisering van feite val. Dit is dus moontlik dat die konserwatief positiewe resultate van hierdie studie die "oordra" -effek van geodetiese opleiding…
Chronic stress and anxiety in everyday life can lead to sympathetic hyperactivity. This can be ob... more Chronic stress and anxiety in everyday life can lead to sympathetic hyperactivity. This can be observed as behavioral, chemical, and neurological changes, including increased rumination, anxiety, and depression, and chemical changes in biological markers like homocysteine. In the EEG, increased beta (13-30 Hz) wave activity, especially high beta (> 20 Hz) has long been noted in anxiety states. However, recent research indicates that low beta waves (13-20 Hz) may play a role as well. The current paper presents a pilot study that assessed the Neurocycle's efficacy as a nonpharmacological mind-management therapy for people who struggle with anxiety and depression. We assessed psychometrics, blood-serum homocysteine levels, and quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG). Efficacy of the Neurocycle was demonstrated by improved psychometric selfassessment over the study. We observed a positive correlation between subject's low beta relative power and homocysteine levels. The findings validate the Neurocycle's efficacy for improving mental health as measured by behavioral, chemical, and neurological measures. Altogether, these findings support low beta's role in stress/anxiety manifestation given that its modulation significantly correlated with stress biomarkers in patients' blood samples and stress and anxiety self-assessments. Future work should expand these findings with larger datasets to confirm the ranges of healthy and maladaptive low beta.
South African Journal of Communication Disorders, 1993
Although the roots of the Mind-Mapping approach (MMA) reach back into the depths of psychology, i... more Although the roots of the Mind-Mapping approach (MMA) reach back into the depths of psychology, it is our growing understanding of the human brain, how it functions, what affects it, how we can assist it - which has become the real foundation for the model discussed in this paper. By finding ways of creating environments that are brain compatible - or rather - brain enhancing, we can begin to serve the whole person in all his dimensions. In this paper the need for language and culture "free" therapeutic techniques will be discussed. Reference is made to the author's research where the MMA was used very successfully with a closed head injured (CHI) client in order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the technique. The problem of CHI is also discussed. In addition, a brief theoretical review of the brain as it pertains to the concept of the MMA is offered. In the conclusion, it is suggested that global techniques such as the MMA, which are based on fundamental and univer...
South African Journal of Communication Disorders, 1997
The current article suggests that alternatives to the current traditional learning methods are es... more The current article suggests that alternatives to the current traditional learning methods are essentials if learning institutions are to provide people with effective life skills that enable them to be autonomous learners. This suggestion is based on a body of literature on alternative learning which stresses the need for fundamental change and hence, a paradigm shift in perception of learning in order to cope with the world-wide information explosion. The alternative non-traditional approach proposed in geodesic learning which stresses learning how to learn and self-directed inquiry as essential life skills which enable systems as well as the people in the systems to bring about their own transformation in response to changing situations and requirements. The current article discusses an alternative service delivery model, the geodesic information processing model, which falls within the realms of the geodesic philosophy. The implications of this alternative approach for the speec...
The current study identifies the reasons why change in traditional perceptions of learning is nee... more The current study identifies the reasons why change in traditional perceptions of learning is needed by tracing the philosophies of traditional methods and their effect on the perception of learning, and proposes an alternative geodesic approach, the Mind-Mapping Approach (MMA). Inherent in the model is the implication that traditional methods do not facilitate effective holistic thinking and as a result, do not produce effective lifelong learners. Extrapolated from the MMA model and its assumptions, is a practical framework, the MMA, that, when implemented within learning environments, will foster geodesic thinking which is in natural compliance with the functioning of the brain and therefore to be preferred. The study tested the validity of the above assumption by providing training in an alternative geodesic approach, the MMA, to a group of 45 teachers and therapists that work with learning disabled pupils this comprised the first experiment of this study. The teachers and therapists in turn used the MMA methods with their pupils (639)this comprised the second experiment of the study. In this way both the MMA as a geodesic framework, and the actual effectiveness of the MMA training programme in conveying geodesic principles, were evaluated. The results indicated that although significant benefit was derived by the teachers and therapists from the MMA training, these were conservative. Furthermore, the overall longitudinal trends of the pupils' results also indicated that a significant positive change was experienced by the pupils with the introduction of the MMA methods, but not to the extent predicted. It is speculated that this conservative, although significantly positive improvement in the teachers, therapists and pupils is attributed to the fact that the MMA methods are geodesic facilitating improved thinking, problem-solving and research skills, and innovative learning. However traditional methods of teacher training, testing and evaluating do not facilitate these skills as their emphasis is on the accrual as opposed to creation of facts. It is possible therefore that the conservatively positive results of this study reflect the "carry-over" effect of geodesic training. It can be said that the partial application of the MMA methods by the teachers and therapists did improve the performance of the pupils and that this study was therefore successful, but that the results would have been more positive had the pupils been evaluated in a way that matched the geodesic training. In addition, the study provides valuable information regarding the effect of geodesic systems on traditional systems of learning. Afrikaans: Hierdie studie identifiseer die redes vir die noodsaaklikheid om tradisionele leerpersepsies te verander deur die filosofiee van tradisionele metodes en hul effek op die leerpersepsie na te gaan, en dit stel 'n altematiewe geodetiese benadering voor, bekend as die breinkaartbenadering (BKB) (Engels: mind-mapping approach (MMA) ). Inherent in die model is die implikasie dat tradisionele metodes nie doeltreffend holistiese denke voorthelp nie, en gevolglik nie doeltreffende lewenslange leerlinge voortbring nie. 'n Praktiese raamwerk word uit die BKB-model en sy aannames ekstrapoleer, nl die BKB wat, wanneer dit binne leeromgewings geimplementeer word, geodetiese denke sal bevorder wat 1n natuurlike voldoening is met die funksionering van die brein en derhalwe verkieslik is. Die studie het die geldigheid van die bogenoemde aanname getoets deur opleiding in 'n altematiewe geodetiese benadering, die BKB, te verskaf aan 'n groep vna 45 onderwysers en terapeute wat met leergestremde leerlinge werk. Dit het die eerste eksperiment van die studie uitgemaak. Die onderwysers en terapeute het op hul beurt die BKB-metodes met hulleerlinge (639) gebruik, wat die tweede eksperiment van die studie uitgemaak het. Sodoende is beide die BKB as 'n geodetiese raamwerk en die eintlike doeltreffendheid van die BKBopleidingsprogram in die oordra van geodetiese beginsels geevalueer. Die resultate het aangedui dat, alhoewel onderwysers en terapeute beduidend baat gevind het by die BKBopleiding, dit konserwatief was. Verder het die langstendense van die leerlinge se resultate ook aangedui dat 'n noemenswaardige positiewe verandering deur leerlinge ervaar is met die invoering van die BKB-metodes, maar nie in die mate wat voorspel is nie. Daar word bereken dat die konserwatiewe, alhoewel aansienlik positiewe verbetering in die onderwysers, terapeute en leerlinge toeskryfbaar is aan die feit dat die BKB-metodes geodeties is, wat verbeterde denke, probleemoplossing en navorsingsvaardighede, sowel as innoverende leer moontlik maak. Tradisionele leer-, opleidings-, toetsen evalueringsmetodes fasiliteer egter nie hierdie vaardighede nie, aangesien die klem op die memorisering van feite val. Dit is dus moontlik dat die konserwatief positiewe resultate van hierdie studie die "oordra" -effek van geodetiese opleiding…
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