What can Neuroscience Teach Us About Learning

1. Learning Changes the Brain

Neuroplasticity and myelin growth make learning durable. Productive struggle and retrieval practice help strengthen neural pathways (Edutopia, 2016; Bonomo, 2017).

Teaching Tips:

Ask students to recall answers before checking notes (retrieval).

Use low-stakes quizzes regularly.

Pose slightly harder problems to encourage effortful struggle.

Encourage peer teaching, explaining strengthens neural connections.

Why it works: Struggle and retrieval signal the brain to strengthen pathways, leading to more efficient recall and faster processing.

2. Emotions Drive Memory

Positive emotions release dopamine, improving recall, while chronic stress impairs memory formation (Willis, 2007; Bonomo, 2017).

Teaching Tips:

Celebrate effort, not just achievement (growth mindset).

Open class with a positive ritual (greeting, fun question).

Use storytelling and humor to anchor concepts emotionally.

Provide stress buffers—clear instructions, check-ins, and flexible deadlines when possible.

Why it works: Emotions activate the amygdala, which influences memory encoding. Positive states improve retention, while stress blocks information from reaching long-term memory.

3. Movement Boosts Cognition

Exercise increases oxygen flow, improves mood, and supports memory consolidation (Bonomo, 2017; Terada, 2018).

Teaching Tips:

Begin class with a quick stretch or 1-minute energizer.

Use “stand up/sit down” review games.

Rotate learning stations to keep students physically active.

Incorporate role-play, dramatization, or hands-on building tasks.

Why it works: Physical movement boosts blood flow and oxygen to the brain, releasing chemicals like dopamine and BDNF that improve attention, mood, and learning.

4. Breaks = Better Focus

The brain’s default mode network consolidates learning during downtime, and short breaks improve focus and reduce fatigue (Berkeley GSI Center, 2023; Terada, 2018).

Teaching Tips:

Schedule 5–10 minute pauses every 30–40 minutes.

Use brain breaks like doodling, mindfulness breathing, or quick puzzles.

Let students choose a relaxing activity during breaks (listening to music, chatting).

After a break, use a short recap or reflection question to reset focus.

Why it works: During breaks, the brain organizes new information into long-term memory. Rest restores attention span and prevents cognitive overload.

5. Mix It Up: Interleaving & Spacing

Interleaving and spacing practice improve long-term retention and flexible problem-solving (Edutopia, 2016).

Teaching Tips:

Spiral review: revisit past lessons in short cycles.

Mix problem types on homework or quizzes.

Use cumulative review games at the start of class.

Spread assignments across time instead of cramming into one session.

Why it works: Mixing and spacing force the brain to retrieve information in varied contexts, which strengthens recall and improves adaptability.

6. Gender & Individual Differences

Research shows differences in brain development between boys and girls, especially in verbal and spatial skills, attention, and stress response (Bonomo, 2017).

Teaching Tips:

Provide visual-spatial supports (charts, diagrams) and verbal supports (discussion, writing).

Offer choice in how to demonstrate learning (presentation, essay, project).

Use structured routines for students who need stability, but flexibility for those who need creativity.

Adjust classroom environment (noise level, lighting, seating) to support different learning needs.

Why it works: Differentiation respects brain diversity. Matching strategies to learners’ strengths improves engagement, while variety supports weaker areas.

7. Enriched Environments & Mindfulness

Multisensory learning, novelty, and mindfulness strengthen connections and deepen memory (Caine & Caine, 1991; Bonomo, 2017; Edutopia, 2016).

Teaching Tips:

Begin class with a 2-minute mindfulness or reflection exercise.

Incorporate visuals, music, and hands-on tasks in lessons.

Connect concepts to real-world examples students care about.

Rotate teaching methods (discussion, storytelling, experiments) to maintain novelty.

Why it works: Novel and multisensory input activates multiple brain regions, creating stronger memory traces. Mindfulness improves focus and self-regulation, making learning “stick.”