Neuroscience and Learning

NEUROSCIENCE AND LEARNING

An overview of the essential terms

Neuroscience is the scientific study of the nervous system. It is an interdisciplinary science that collaborates with other fields such as engineering, mathematics, cognitive science and also education.

Educational neuroscience - also known as Neuroeducation- is a component of Mind Brain and Education): an evolving scientific field that connects researchers e.g. in developmental cognitive neuroscience, educational psychology, educational technology, education theory and other related disciplines to analyze the interactions between biological processes and education.

Experience-Dependent Plasticity is the continuing process of the creation and organization of neuron connections that occurs as a result of a person’s life experiences.

• Differing life situations and circumstance influence how certain areas of the brain develop and continue to grow. Research has shown that violinists and Braille readers have an increased cortical development in the section of the brain that corresponded to the fingers of the left hand (which is used predominantly when playing the violin or reading Braille).

• Learning is physical! When you learn something, the wiring in your brain changes. By acquiring information the structure of our neurons physically alters.

• Our brains act like a muscle >> The more activity you do, the larger and more complex it can become.

John Medina’s brain rules:

1. The various regions of our brains develop at different rates in different people.

2. No two people’s brains store the same information in the same way and place

3. A great number of ways of being intelligent don’t show up on IQ tests

’’’Job Aid’’’

Neuroscience of Learning and Development Interactive PDF

References

1. Brain Waves Module 2: Neuroscience: implications for education and lifelong learning, The Royal Society, 2011, http://www.interacademies.net/File.aspx?id=25096 (28 November 2015)

2. Medina, John: Brain Rules: 12 Principles for Surviving and Thriving at Work, Home, and School, 2009