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Frontiers in Education
Recent advances in pedagogical research have called attention to the dynamic nature of the teachi... more Recent advances in pedagogical research have called attention to the dynamic nature of the teaching and learning process in which the actors mutually influence one another. The understanding of how this works in the brain—the specialized neural networks related to this process—is often limited to neuroscientists but are slowly becoming available to other learning scientists, including teachers. A transdisciplinary approach combining the best information about observable teaching-learning processes from education with newer information from the neurosciences may aid in resolving fundamental questions in the learning process. Teachers’ professional formation and development is often structured in segmented topical ways (e.g., pedagogy, evaluation, planning, classroom management, social–emotional learning), to identify important content knowledge (e.g., art, reading, mathematics, STEM), or to appreciate life skills (e.g., collaboration, critical thinking, social–emotional learning). Wh...
Historically, the political, intellectual, cultural, and societal zeitgeist during a particular p... more Historically, the political, intellectual, cultural, and societal zeitgeist during a particular period of time have helped shape the way in which a revolution takes place. In Ecuador, the zeitgeist in the world of disabilities and autism is setting up the general atmosphere in the country for a game-changing reform. In Ecuador changes that are taking place and may help potentiate this reform include: a rising interest in the topic of disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorders from the general public; Government and otherwise sponsored proposed changes in disability laws; and changes in perspectives of autism within the academic world as well as an increase interest from professionals. Fundacion Mykah, a non-profit organization in Ecuador, which has come to be in the midst of this reform, hopes to be able to take strength in the current changes of the country in order to improve the quality of life of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Frontiers in Psychology
Problem-solving skills are highly valued in modern society and are often touted as core elements ... more Problem-solving skills are highly valued in modern society and are often touted as core elements of school mission statements, desirable traits for job applicants, and as some of the most complex thinking that the brain is capable of executing. While learning to problem-solve is a goal of education, and many strategies, methodologies, and activities exist to help teachers guide the development of these skills, there are few formal curriculum structures or broader frameworks that guide teachers toward the achievement of this educational objective. Problem-solving skills have been called “higher order cognitive functions” in cognitive neuroscience as they involve multiple complex networks in the brain, rely on constant rehearsal, and often take years to form. Children of all ages employ problem solving, from a newborn seeking out food to children learning in school settings, or adults tackling real-world conflicts. These skills are usually considered the end product of a good educatio...
Frontiers in Education
Recent advances in pedagogical research have called attention to the dynamic nature of the teachi... more Recent advances in pedagogical research have called attention to the dynamic nature of the teaching and learning process in which the actors mutually influence one another. The understanding of how this works in the brain—the specialized neural networks related to this process—is often limited to neuroscientists but are slowly becoming available to other learning scientists, including teachers. A transdisciplinary approach combining the best information about observable teaching-learning processes from education with newer information from the neurosciences may aid in resolving fundamental questions in the learning process. Teachers’ professional formation and development is often structured in segmented topical ways (e.g., pedagogy, evaluation, planning, classroom management, social–emotional learning), to identify important content knowledge (e.g., art, reading, mathematics, STEM), or to appreciate life skills (e.g., collaboration, critical thinking, social–emotional learning). Wh...
Historically, the political, intellectual, cultural, and societal zeitgeist during a particular p... more Historically, the political, intellectual, cultural, and societal zeitgeist during a particular period of time have helped shape the way in which a revolution takes place. In Ecuador, the zeitgeist in the world of disabilities and autism is setting up the general atmosphere in the country for a game-changing reform. In Ecuador changes that are taking place and may help potentiate this reform include: a rising interest in the topic of disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorders from the general public; Government and otherwise sponsored proposed changes in disability laws; and changes in perspectives of autism within the academic world as well as an increase interest from professionals. Fundacion Mykah, a non-profit organization in Ecuador, which has come to be in the midst of this reform, hopes to be able to take strength in the current changes of the country in order to improve the quality of life of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Frontiers in Psychology
Problem-solving skills are highly valued in modern society and are often touted as core elements ... more Problem-solving skills are highly valued in modern society and are often touted as core elements of school mission statements, desirable traits for job applicants, and as some of the most complex thinking that the brain is capable of executing. While learning to problem-solve is a goal of education, and many strategies, methodologies, and activities exist to help teachers guide the development of these skills, there are few formal curriculum structures or broader frameworks that guide teachers toward the achievement of this educational objective. Problem-solving skills have been called “higher order cognitive functions” in cognitive neuroscience as they involve multiple complex networks in the brain, rely on constant rehearsal, and often take years to form. Children of all ages employ problem solving, from a newborn seeking out food to children learning in school settings, or adults tackling real-world conflicts. These skills are usually considered the end product of a good educatio...