Brain Development

Brain Development

  • Recent neuroscience research enhances our understanding of the learning process.

What is Learning?

  • Defined as:

    • A process of acquiring knowledge, attitudes, or skills from study, instruction, or experience (Miller & Findlay 1996, p.167).

    • A process where experience causes permanent changes in knowledge or behavior (McInerney, 2013).

    • A change in neural function due to experience leading to brain development (Doidge, 2007).

Brain Plasticity

  • Learning leads to evidence of brain development through a complex process called plasticity.

  • Involves the brain directing its own development and responding to environmental stimuli.

  • Increases in brain networks and nerve pathways strengthen skill development.

  • Growth spurts in the brain align with milestones in thinking and physical coordination.

  • Environmental stimulation contributes to brain development as the brain engages with its surroundings to enhance knowledge.

  • Learning can occur at any stage due to synaptogenesis (growth of connections between neurons) and neural pruning.

Neurons

  • Neurons are the brain cells, tiny yet complex structures.

  • Communicate with each other using electricity and neurotransmitters across synaptic gaps.

  • Each brain contains approximately 100 billion neurons, weighing around 0.25 Kg (Porter & Kaplan, 2016).

  • Total neuron count remains constant from birth, but synaptic connections change significantly.

  • Most neurons are formed in utero and are present at birth; however, new neurons can be generated in some brain areas (OECD, 2002: 67).

  • Synaptogenesis occurs at different times across various brain regions.

  • The developing brain initially has more synapses than the adult brain; pruning reduces synapse numbers to adult levels by around age 10 (Kolb & Whishaw, 2003).

Conclusion

Key Knowledge

  • The brain can regenerate itself.

  • Learning results in increased neuronal connections; repetition strengthens these connections.

  • Positive emotions associated with learning enhance the process, and long-term exercise improves cognition.

  • Adequate sleep is necessary to consolidate learning.

  • Early neglect and abuse may hinder cognitive development.