Neuroeducation In The Classroom – Being Parents

For decades, we have kept the same system and the same clearly outdated educational methods. The need for a change in the approaches to the modes of education and transmission of knowledge is becoming more and more evident. 

That’s why today we’re going to talk to you about neuroeducation in classrooms, that new air that can revolutionize teaching.

What is neuroeducation?

Neuroeducation is the union of neuroscience and pedagogy with the aim of optimizing the learning experience. 

This discipline seeks to understand brain function (how our brain receives, encrypts or memorizes information) in order to apply it to teaching. In this way, improvements occur in educational methods.

It is therefore about understanding that  human beings perform integral processing  in which thought, feelings and action are an invisible whole that gives meaning to the learning experience. From this perspective, it is about adapting the work in the classrooms.

Fundamental concepts of neuroeducation in the classroom

• Plasticity of the brain. Knowledge is not static. Our brains have a plasticity that allows us to shape and modify neural connections through lifelong learning.
• Mirror neurons. This collection of brain cells allows us to learn not only through our own experience, but also by observing others. Thanks to them, we develop empathy and language acquisition.

• Interaction between genetics and experience. The reality of our skills and abilities is determined by epigenetics. It is the conjunction of our genetics which is based on the foundations of what attracts us the most or is best given to us. As well as on the experience which shapes and modifies these bases.

• Emotional learning. For a good internalization of information to take place, it is not enough to receive it at a theoretical level. All  content that evokes emotions in the person will be learned more easily  and permanently.
• Meaningful learning. To truly understand something, we need to bring it into the “real world” and experience it. We have to find out what it is really for and on a practical level what we are learning.

How is neuroeducation applied in classrooms?

It is very important for teachers to know how the brain works in  order to optimize the academic performance of their students. The main implications of integrating neuroeducation into classrooms are as follows:

What should learning look like?

• The curiosity is essential to learn. Hope and an innate desire to learn must be fostered in students. By offering them challenges and adventures in teaching content.
• Learning must be active. It is not enough that students receive information passively. They must also manipulate it and actively participate in its development.
• Emotional and meaningful learning is essential.
• It is particularly important to lead the teaching through different axes,  so that the novelty (in the communication channels) as well as the repetition of the contents take shape. It will therefore be much easier for the student to integrate the knowledge.

What should the environment look like?

• The physical environment of the classroom must be adapted. It must be beautiful, tidy and varied. Thus, in this way children are more attentive to changing stimuli.
• There must also be  a decoration integrated into the teaching unit of the moment. With the most natural lighting possible.
• Soft background music is also appropriate.

What should teachers do?

• Teachers should strive to create a positive atmosphere in the classroom and  should show empathy and closeness to students.
• It is essential  to help students identify and manage their emotions. In other words, to be able not to react impulsively, but rather to respond thoughtfully and adequately.

• Students should receive useful and constructive feedback. In other words, it is not enough to give a numerical value to the work of the child. But it is also necessary to offer specific guidelines to improve mistakes and, most importantly, to maintain motivation by emphasizing what has been done correctly.
• Help students build healthy self-esteem,  feel capable and valued. To do this, we must avoid at all costs making comparisons with other students.