Classroom Learning Must Help in Development of Brain

Education is the most important aspect of one’s life. Education builds our personality and allows us to live a dignified life. But the question that comes before us time and again is that, is the education that we are imparting in schools, the right kind of education? Is it all that our children need?

Ms. Pamela Cantor, MD, who is a part of a cross-disciplinary team of experts studying the science of learning and development, stated that the present day’s education system doesn’t fulfill the requirement of developing the brain of the children. We all know that learning is closely associated with the brain. We need a sharp brain and good grasping power to learn things. Therefore, our education system should be such that it supports the development of the brain. The important question that arises here is that, do we have the will and the desire to create an education system that caters to this need? As per the old beliefs, the brain maturation is achieved by the age of 6 years, but lately science has established that human brain is malleable and it undergoes change even in the 20s. Hence, it can be inferred that the education system throughout the school years should be designed in such a manner that it helps in the enhancement of the brain. If we see around us, we would observe that children, who face an aggressive and intense atmosphere at home during their childhood, often turn into aggressive beings upon growing up also. Such children are more likely to be placed in special educational programs; usually are held back a grade and have behavioral issues at school. In case of such students who lack the much needed positive environment at home, the school and the teachers play a very important role. The teacher can inculcate positivity in their lives by building a relationship full of trust. As proved by science, the brain is malleable in nature; therefore, despite facing negative environment at home, a student can still grow and meet his potential in an effective and positive classroom. As per the Harvard report of 2015, every child must have at least one adult in his/ her life who shall provide a caring, supportive and stable relationship. It is extremely important that there should be positive environment for a child’s brain to grow, therefore certain steps must be taken by the schools to better align with these necessities:

(i) Seize the opportunity: Students spend more time in schools than they spend at home. The schools have enough time and opportunity to shape up a child’s brain.

(ii) Expect variability, and embrace it: No two children are same. The schools must welcome the variability in children’s reactions and activities and must accept these.

(iii) Integrate practices that explicitly address belonging and safety: Children can learn effectively only in safe environments. Therefore, schools must integrate practices that make the children feel safe.

By: Anuja Arora

Content: https://www.edutopia.org/article/bringing-science-learning-classrooms?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=socialflow