The world of educational technology has a lot of facets to consider. One primary focus is the effect of neuroscience on education. To progress and compete globally, we need to use all possible advantages to give our children a leg up. Here are five examples of how neuroscience is affecting education today.

1. Implementation of New Guidelines
   

School districts and teachers are beginning to take note of the influence small changes can have on learning, thanks to breakthroughs in neuroscience. The push for later start times is supported by a recommendation from the CDC to encourage better sleep patterns for students. Ongoing research into the spacing effect and neurogenesis is helping reshape the way curriculums are formed. Additionally, schools are beginning to see the value of including social activities to encourage learning, not just as distractions.

2. Improved Special Education Approaches

Studies by the Cambridge neuroscience department and others have focused on how different teaching approaches can help students with Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome. Special education teachers, parents, and tutors can benefit from keeping abreast of these new developments. There have also been significant findings to help students with learning disabilities, like ADHD. Thanks to neuroscience, specialized programs for these children are becoming more popular and fruitful.

3. Incorporation of Technology in the Classroom

The increased understanding of how children learn has encouraged educators to embrace diversified learning techniques and technology. There are programs like USATestprep which can be used for an immersive class experience. Or, Study Island which can help teachers and parents prepare students for standardized testing. There are also a multitude of student driven study platforms and technology based tutoring companies from which to choose.

4. A New Approach to Mathematics

Neuroscience has also revolutionized the way we teach STEM subjects, math in particular. The advent of cognitive tutoring has improved understanding of mathematics for students who have historically struggled. Since numerical competence and versatility in STEM is essential for success in today’s world, this is a significant breakthrough for students.

5. Enhanced Early Childhood Courses

Understanding the human brain starts with our youngest individuals. Every person begins learning while they are still in the womb. Recent studies have insisted that we must ingratiate early childhood education with STEM subjects to give our children a real chance at success. We must embrace STEM training for elementary teachers, pre-k educators, caregivers, and parents. The addition of STEM learning to early childhood courses is revolutionizing how we interact with children from birth to eight years old.

As time and research progress, there are likely to be even more changes in education brought on by neuroscience. It’s important to follow the trends and improve the products and curriculums offered to students, to grow with the industry. These five contributions of neuroscience to education are only the beginning.

What do you think will be the next big change? What has neuroscience influenced in your classroom? We want to hear your thoughts and experiences!