Educational implications of neuroplasticity
Neuroscience is being used to enhance education. It used to be thought that individuals had a set amount of intelligence so children were either born smart, average or dumb. New brain research is attempting to sway the nurture versus nature debate in the nurture direction.
Now it’s more commonly accepted that each learner has a much more nuanced set of strengths and limitations. This research suggests that when you learn, the brain grows and gets stronger much like a muscle does. The nurture stance claims that the brain restructures itself based on experiences.
Learning can be defined as the growth of neurons and their connections. The growth of our brain cells is known as neuroplasticity because neuro refers to the brain and plasticity means changeable.
The brain has billions of nerve cells called neurons. When learning is taking place, the branching nerve cell parts called dendrites connect to form new pathways which create a network of communication. Brain imaging shows that when learning happens, brain cells known as neurons connect. The arms or dendrites of the neurons actually branch out to create new synaptic connections with other neurons. Dendrite connections then multiply which shows physical evidence of learning.
Lessons that challenge the brain cause it to grow more. When learning abstract concepts like a foreign language, neurons branch out and connect after much practice because repetition helps build neuronal connections.
Learning to play an instrument happens best by practicing small chunks correctly which makes neuropathways more permanent in the brain. Spending time learning in an authentic environment helps to solidify these neuronal pathways such as playing that instrument in a band.
In a post on edublog, Larry Ferlazzos stated that it’s important to show students that they can make their brain stronger by learning. As a teacher of ninth grade students, he starts the year with an introductory lesson about Carol Dweck’s growth mindset.
Dweck has designed curriculum to help students develop a growth mindset with a program called Brainology. These lessons teach metacognitive and cognitive skills that help students understand how much impact they can have on how their brain learns.
A study of math students in Harlem showed that students with two brief growth mindset lessons got higher scores on their tests than the control group who was only taught the content.
Babies who can’t talk aren’t considered dumb, because parent know they just haven’t practiced enough yet. Little ones learn their parents’ native language in the first three years of life by hearing and practicing it over and over again. Perhaps the students that are thought to be the smartest are simply the ones who practice more.
Teaching kids about neuroplasticity can help motivate them to put forth more effort. Knowing that intelligence is expandable is helpful data to motivate more student effort. When students struggle with content, it doesn’t mean that they can’t learn, but often means that they need more practice and instructional support.
As teachers discover that learning changes the structure of the brain, it effects their perception of their students’ ability. Teach students that their ability is positively affected by their effort. This puts the responsibility of increasing knowledge in their own hands.
This engages students in learning how to learn. Students are going to change during the year and either become better or worse at school. Teachers remind students it’s their choice and encourage them to improve.
Cognitive strategies can be taught alongside of academic ones. Hard work and practice really matter because they cause the brain to grow. Persistence can lead to success.
Neural pathways connect distant parts of the brain. Each time thoughts, feelings, or actions happen, it can strengthen that pathway. Habits are well travelled pathways that our brain finds easy to do.
Rewiring the brain is possible. The brain can change and grow. Old dogs can learn new tricks. Don’t miss out on the chance to grow a smarter brain. Challenge it and expand your intelligence.