Neuroeducation: contributions of neuroscience to educational approaches

Abstract

The growing interest in education based on scientific evidence, as well as recent progress in the field of neuroscience with respect to learning processes and brain plasticity, have given rise to a new field of knowledge: neuroeducation. Its aim is to provide a vision of teaching and learning processes based on brain functioning. The purpose of this article is to review and analyze several neuroscientific studies which seek to provide useful tools and both theoretical and empirical foundations for good teaching practice. After a short introduction to the field of neuroeducation and a brief review of the most essential aspects of brain development, this paper focuses on the factors involved in learning, such as the relationship between the body and cognitive processes, the strategies to promote a balance between emotion and cognition, the development of executive functions, and the importance of the design of the spaces where learning experiences take place.

Keywords: Neuroscience, development and learning, brain plasticity, emotions, executive functions, learning environments.