To create a modern theory of learning, we need to understand how learning takes place in the brain. This probably seems obvious, but I doubt that many (if any) of you had “brain science” as part your teacher certification. Learning about the brain is fascinating and confusing, and something that everyone in the education field should do. Continue reading
Education is valuable to society—“access to knowledge affords the opportunity to develop capabilities, fulfill human potential and break the heredity of disadvantage” (Burd-Sharps et al, 2008). According to the American Human Development Report 2008-2009, education is linked to better health, a longer life, higher civic and political participation, greater ability to adjust to change, a more robust self-identity, stronger and more extensive social bonds, more stable relationships, and greater personal happiness. Education allows us to develop cures to diseases, advance technology, decrease poverty, etc.—it is not an “end” but rather a “means”, and it is the key to understanding the world around us. That being said, education per say is not what allows us to learn. “Learning and memory are at the dead center of cognition;” they are part of what define us as humans (NP 150). The brain makes education possible. Continue reading
Education is valuable to society—“access to knowledge affords the opportunity to develop capabilities, fulfill human potential and break the heredity of disadvantage” (Burd-Sharps, 2008, 82). According to the American Human Development Report 2008-2009, education is linked to better health, a longer life, higher civic and political participation, greater ability to adjust to change, a more robust self-identity, stronger and more extensive social bonds, more stable relationships, and greater personal happiness. Continue reading
The type of education that Dewey envisioned, and that I too would like to see in classrooms around the world is an education based on experience. You might find it interesting that Dewey’s philosophy is largely inline with how the brain functions and well supported by scientific evidence. However, before we get down to the science, or in this case the neurophilosophy, it’s important to recognize a few key terms: situation, objective conditions, and internal conditions. Continue reading
