Neuroscience offers new perspectives to transform corporate training, building on the understanding of the human brain to improve learning. In the face of the digital transition and evolving employee expectations, traditional training methods may no longer be sufficient. At speexx, they have put together a practical overview of neuroscience in education and the demystification of a number of preconceived beliefs about the brain.

What is neuroscience?

Neuroscience refers to all disciplines that study the nervous system, in particular the brain, to understand its structures, its functioning and its influence on behavior and cognitive abilities.

They emerged in the 19th century with discoveries such as Broca’s area, and then developed in the 20th century thanks to pioneers such as Santiago Ramón y Cajal, who identified the neuron as the basic unit of the brain. The advent of cognitive neuroscience and brain imaging techniques in the 1970s made it possible to link mental processes to neural circuits. Today, neuroscience incorporates multidisciplinary approaches, exploring fields as varied as neuropedagogy and neuroplasticity, offering promising applications and helping to improve our understanding of the brain and human development.

Neuropedagogy and implementation

Today, neuropedagogy, which integrates neuroscience, psychology and education, makes it possible to create more engaging and effective learning experiences for all. Neuroscience has led to new training techniques that leverage our knowledge of the brain to maximize educational impact. Here are some of the most commonly used methods:

1. Microlearning: consists of offering very short learning modules (lasting less than 5 minutes), focused on a single topic or skill. This format takes advantage of the short attention span of learners and allows for periodic reactivation of information already acquired.
2. Adaptive learning: uses intelligent algorithms to analyze each learner’s profile and deliver personalized content. This model makes it possible to adapt the pace, level of difficulty and teaching methods to individual preferences and progress.
3. Virtual / augmented reality: immerses trainees in immersive environments where they can train interactively and experience real situations without risk. These technologies are particularly useful for practical training (industrial maintenance, surgery, etc.).
4. Gamification: this consists of incorporating playful elements, such as points or badges. By activating the brain’s reward circuits, gamification stimulates learners’ intrinsic motivation and encourages them to actively participate.

Neuromyths | Overcoming preconceived ideas about the brain

1. 10% BRAIN USE

What it says: we only use 10% of our brains.

In reality: all areas of our brain are active, even during the performance of simple tasks. Brain imaging studies show that we use the whole of our brain to perform various cognitive functions, whether conscious or unconscious. This myth is probably due to a misinterpretation of research on the specialization of brain areas.

2. LEFT VS. RIGHT HEMISPHERE

What it says: people dominated by the left hemisphere are more rational and analytical, while those dominated by the right hemisphere are more intuitive and creative.

In reality: the brain functions as an integrated whole. Although some functions are more localized (such as language in the left hemisphere in the case of right-handers), there is no evidence that one hemisphere predominates over the other in defining an individual’s personality or abilities.

3. LEARNING STYLE

What it says: each person has a predominant learning style (visual, auditory…), and it is important to adapt teaching to this style to maximize learning.

In fact: research shows that the brain can process different types of information with equal flexibility. There is no proven correlation between adapting teaching to a supposed learning style and greater efficiency in retaining information.

4. MULTIPLE INTELLIGENCES

What it says: there are eight types of intelligence (linguistic, logical-mathematical, spatial, interpersonal, intrapersonal, kinesthetic, musical and naturalistic) located in specific areas of the brain, and each person has a predominant intelligence.

In reality: The brain does not compartmentalize intelligences into distinct regions, they are interconnected and interact to form a global set of cognitive abilities.

5. COORDINATION EXERCISES

What it says: certain physical coordination exercises can strengthen the connections between the two cerebral hemispheres and improve learning capacity.

In reality: the development of these connections is linked to varied and repeated learning experiences, whether physical, mental or social.