The last decade or so has seen Neuroscience take a more prominent seat at the education table than ever before. As neuroscience research compiles ever greater evidence of how the brain learns and processes information, some argue that their results should form the basis of educational reform. While a well-organized cooperation of neuroscientists and trained educators could lead to improved literacy skills and overall improved learning for all students, there is a catch. More often than not, educators tend to take a single eye-catching or too-good-to-be-true result from a research paper and run with it. Doing so, in absence of a paper’s original context, can lead to unexpected negative results.
Opportunity Statement
The brain is the hub for processing every single aspect of the world around us. Neuroscientists who research brain function have been improving our understanding of these processes for years. By focusing on developing lasting connections between neuroscientists and educators this knowledge can be leveraged to help everyone.
Sources:
More about Neuroscience in Education:
Centre for Educational Neuroscience – What is Neuroscience?
The Emerging Role of Educational Neuroscience in Education Reform
edutopia – Brain-based Learning
Brain-based learning (BBL) applies neuroscience research to optimize teaching methods, ensuring they align with how the brain naturally learns, processes, and retains information. Future education tech (like AI tutors) can use algorithms to reinforce learning at optimal intervals, improving long-term retention. VR/AR and interactive robots will engage multiple senses (visual, auditory, kinesthetic), strengthening neural connections. Teachers will use neuroscience insights to tailor lessons for different learning styles (e.g., visual vs. verbal learners). Side note, brain wave tracking tech shall protect students’ privacy.
Neuroscience includes concepts from brain-based learning, psychological safety and trauma-informed teaching. As we find ways to support learners who collect information through different learning mechanisms, we are starting to learn more about how these start and even how they’re developing.
As someone who teaches adult learners, I can see people who I support who didn’t have the mechanisms to be supported in their neural learning strengths at an early age and had to adapt through their own detriments. Technology specific to support adult learners who are established in their careers will become important as we find ways to address upskilling and ways to enhance assessment of their neural cognition.
This can include other things within this topic such as classrooms of the future or VR or enhanced classrooms, but the acknowledgement of how to assess, support and develop learning for adults with specific neuroscience needs will become important in the years to come.
Used specifically in educational environments, I’m fascinated by what neuroscience can do—especially after reading about neurotechnologies and brain–computer interfaces (BBMIs) for the first time. I see these tools as powerful means to personalize learning and help individuals reach their full potential.
However, when viewed through a more capitalistic lens—driven by marketing or performance objectives—I see a darker path.
Whether I like it or not, I believe this technology may take a bit longer to become widespread, but it will undoubtedly be one of the most important change drivers in EdTech over the coming decades.
I believe neuroscience will rise in importance, particularly in addressing communication challenges and enhancing learning experiences. I’m emphasizing on “SEL – Social and Emotional Learning”
I’m particularly interested in the concept of “second brain”, which highlights the gut-brain connection can benefit from neuroscience insights, bridging the gap between thought and expression, as many students struggle to articulate their ideas clearly.
By understanding how different parts of the brain contribute to learning and communication, I believe educators can develop diverse teaching methods that accommodate various expression styles, benefiting all learners.