Book Description

Neuroscience contributes to the basic understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying human development and learning. Educational neuroscience is an interdisciplinary research field that seeks to translate research findings on neural mechanisms of learning to educational practice and policy and to understand the effects of education on the brain. It is an emerging multidisciplinary field where the aim is to link basic research in neuroscience, psychology, and cognitive science, with educational technology. Educational neuroscience is often associated with the ‘science’ of learning and encompasses a broad range of scientific disciplines, from basic neuroscience to cognitive psychology to computer science to social theory. It is an interdisciplinary research field that seeks to translate research findings on neural mechanisms of learning to educational practice and policy and to understand the effects of education on the brain. Neuroscience research usually focuses only on learning, but there is a developing subfield within neuroscience called “Mind, Brain and Education” (MBE) that attempts to link research with teaching. MBE researchers consider how to take advantage of the natural human attention span, how to use studies about memory systems to inform lesson planning, and how to use research on the role of emotions in learning. In neuroscience research, progress has been extraordinary, including advances in both understanding and technology. Scientists from a wide range of disciplines are being attracted to the challenge of understanding the brain. In spite of discoveries regarding the structure of the brain, we still do not understand how the nervous system allows us to see, hear, learn, remember, and plan certain actions. Educators and schools around the globe are increasingly relying on the knowledge, techniques, and programs developed based on a new understanding of how our brains work. This knowledge is being applied to the classroom. A growing amount of attention is being paid to neuroscience and how the results of empirical research may be used to help individuals learn more effectively. In this Research Topic, academic scientists, researchers, and scholars will share their experiences and research results on all aspects of brain-based learning and educational neuroscience. Furthermore, it provides a premier interdisciplinary platform for researchers, practitioners, and educators to present the latest developments, trends, and concerns. In addition, it discusses practical challenges encountered and solutions adopted in the field of Educational Neuroscience. The focus of this Research Topic is to bring together academic scientists, researchers, and scholars to exchange and share their experiences and research findings related to brain-based learning and educational neuroscience. Researchers, practitioners, and educators will also be able to present and discuss the newest innovations, trends, and concerns. This will include practical challenges encountered and solutions adopted in Educational Neuroscience as well as in related fields. All original and unpublished papers describing conceptual, constructive, empirical, experimental, or theoretical work in any area of Brain Based Learning and Educational Neuroscience or studies that explore the intersections between neuroscience, psychology, and education are highly encouraged. Aspects, topics, and critical issues of interest include, but are not limited to: neuroscience applications in enhanced-learning, how students learn mathematics and language, personal motivation, social and emotional learning, motivation, the biology of learning, brain functions and information processing, and many others.