Abstract
The advances being made through neuroscience research are revolutionizing people’s understanding of how people learn. Using modern imaging technologies, neuroscientists are now able to “look inside” the brain and explain in physiological terms what happens inside the brain as people learn. The human brain is an extremely complex organ that almost defies imagination. The brain is constantly scanning the environment and responding to stimuli. All people are bombarded with so many stimuli in a day that the brain has a well-developed system for filtering the stimuli to which it responds. Since learning is one type of stimulus, it is important to understand how information is processed so that real learning takes place. Adult educators have long known that adults can learn throughout their lives, yet a myth has persisted that adults’ learning capacity diminishes throughout life. Neuroscientists have shown definitively that the brain is capable of changing in the manner needed for learning throughout life.
Learning objectives
Learners will be able to:
- Summarize the support emerging from neuroscience research for andragogy.
- Assess how findings from neuroscience research can be used by adult learning facilitators.
Discussion Questions
Do you think it is important for teachers/facilitators to understand brain structure? Why (not)?
Cellular Structure of the Brain Infographic
Reflection Questions
12.1 How will you use findings from neuroscience research to improve your practice as an adult educator?
12.2 How do findings from neuroscience confirm or contradict your personal beliefs about adult learning?
12.3 Think of an adult learning situation that was not very successful. How does neuroscience help explain what went wrong?
12.4 Think of an adult learning situation that was very successful. How does neuroscience help explain why it was successful?
12.5 How does neuroscience help explain your personal learning strategies?
12.6 What other connections do you see between andragogy and neuroscience findings?