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Brun C, Penavayre M, Gonon F. The political leaning of the neuroscience discourse about school education in the French press from 2000 to 2020. PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF SCIENCE (BRISTOL, ENGLAND) 2024; 33:121-138. [PMID: 37542420 DOI: 10.1177/09636625231183650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Political actors pay attention to newspapers because they stimulate them to address a topic, reflect public opinion, provide feedback to their decisions, and help them to generate effective messages. Previous surveys showed that this is true for scientific issues. It follows that the newspaper coverage of scientific issues should appear as politically oriented, as observed regarding climate change. Here, we tested this prediction regarding educational neuroscience. This scientific issue is interesting because it implies no major economic interest and because the relevance of neuroscience regarding teaching in the classroom is still highly controversial. As hypothesized, we observed that the French press appeared strongly polarized: the right-leaning press was mostly favorable to educational neuroscience, whereas critical opinions were mainly found in the social-democrat press. Although the relevance of neuroscience toward teaching was rarely discussed in scientific arguments, political actors often invoked educational neuroscience in the press to legitimate their decision.
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Leisman G. Neuroscience in Education: A Bridge Too Far or One That Has Yet to Be Built: Introduction to the "Brain Goes to School". Brain Sci 2022; 13:brainsci13010040. [PMID: 36672022 PMCID: PMC9856849 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13010040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
There have been numerous detractors and supporters relating to attempts to merge the neurosciences and the knowledge base of related contributing disciplines with the field of education. Some have argued that this is a "bridge too far". The predominant view is that the relationship between neuroscience and the classroom has been neither significantly examined, nor applied. What is needed is a specially trained class of professionals whose role it would be to guide the introduction of cognitive neuroscience into educational practice in a sensible and ethical manner. Neuroeducators would play a pivotal role in assessing the quality of evidence purporting to be relevant to education, assessing who is best placed to employ newly developed knowledge, as well as with what safeguards, in addition to investigating how to deal with unexpected consequences of implemented research findings. This special issue of the "The Brain Goes to School" aims to provide support for the development of training programs that truly integrate curriculum design and classroom instruction with the developmental cognitive neurosciences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerry Leisman
- Movement and Cognition Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, University of Haifa, 19 Abba Khoushy Avenue, Eshkol Tower, Rm. 910, Haifa 3498838, Israel; ; Tel.: +972-52-420-5643
- Department of Neurology, University of the Medical Sciences of Havana, Havana 11600, Cuba
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3
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Educational neurotechnology: Where do we go from here? Trends Neurosci Educ 2022; 29:100195. [PMID: 36470622 DOI: 10.1016/j.tine.2022.100195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Recent educational trends point to an interest in educational neurotechnology. While these tools have the potential to change education, little is known about whether their use improves educational outcomes. Additionally, their adoption may be negatively impacted by teachers' lack of knowledge about the brain. In this paper we outline the potential of educational neurotechnology including what we know, what we do not yet know, and additional considerations for the ethical, successful adoption of these tools in classrooms around the world. Special consideration is given to the training needs of pre- and in-service educators whose support will be essential to the successful adoption of educational neurotechnology.
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Luo J, Wang M, Chen B, Sun M. Exposure to Nature Sounds through a Mobile Application in Daily Life: Effects on Learning Performance among University Students. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14583. [PMID: 36361462 PMCID: PMC9657579 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have revealed the restorative effects of exposure to natural environments on psychological well-being and cognitive performance. Recent studies have reported the effects of exposure to nature sounds (e.g., the sounds of birds, rainfall, and waves) through a mobile application on reducing students' mental fatigue and improving their cognitive performance. However, it remains unknown whether exposure to nature sounds through a mobile application may influence students' learning performance. To address the gap, we conducted a study with 71 university students. During the four-week intervention, 36 students in the experimental group were exposed to nature sounds through a free mobile application for at least 30 consecutive minutes per day when working on academic-related tasks; 35 students in the control group did not have such exposure when working on similar tasks. The results show that students in the experimental group outperformed those in the control group in their engagement in deep learning, frequency of academic procrastination, and academic self-efficacy. The findings reveal the promising effects of exposure to nature sounds through a mobile application on improving students' learning performance. The implications of the findings are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiutong Luo
- Advanced Innovation Center for Future Education, Faculty of Education, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
- Center for Educational Science and Technology, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai 519087, China
- Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Minhong Wang
- Faculty of Education, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- Department of Educational Information Technology, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Boyin Chen
- Faculty of Education, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Meng Sun
- College of Education for the Future, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai 519087, China
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Leisman G. On the Application of Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience in Educational Environments. Brain Sci 2022; 12:1501. [PMID: 36358427 PMCID: PMC9688360 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12111501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The paper overviews components of neurologic processing efficiencies to develop innovative methodologies and thinking to school-based applications and changes in educational leadership based on sound findings in the cognitive neurosciences applied to schools and learners. Systems science can allow us to better manage classroom-based learning and instruction on the basis of relatively easily evaluated efficiencies or inefficiencies and optimization instead of simply examining achievement. "Medicalizing" the learning process with concepts such as "learning disability" or employing grading methods such as pass-fail does little to aid in understanding the processes that learners employ to acquire, integrate, remember, and apply information learned. The paper endeavors to overview and provided reference to tools that can be employed that allow a better focus on nervous system-based strategic approaches to classroom learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerry Leisman
- Movement and Cognition Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel; or
- Department of Neurology, Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de la Habana, Havana 11300, Cuba
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Machado do Vale TC, da Silva Chagas L, de Souza Pereira H, Giestal-de-Araujo E, Arévalo A, Oliveira-Silva Bomfim P. Neuroscience Outside the Box: From the Laboratory to Discussing Drug Abuse at Schools. Front Hum Neurosci 2022; 16:782205. [PMID: 35634202 PMCID: PMC9133440 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.782205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the effects of the current COVID-19 pandemic is that low-income countries were pushed further into extreme poverty, exacerbating social inequalities and increasing susceptibility to drug use/abuse in people of all ages. The risks of drug abuse may not be fully understood by all members of society, partly because of the taboo nature of the subject, and partly because of the considerable gap between scientific production/understanding and communication of such knowledge to the public at large. Drug use is a major challenge to social development and a leading cause of school dropout rates worldwide. Some public policies adopted in several countries in recent decades failed to prevent drug use, especially because they focused on imposing combative or coercive measures, investing little or nothing in education and prevention. Here we highlight the role of neuroscience education as a valid approach in drug use education and prevention. We propose building a bridge between schools and scientists by promoting information, student engagement and honest dialogue, and show evidence that public policy regulators should be persuaded to support such science-based education programs in their efforts to effect important positive changes in society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thereza Cristina Machado do Vale
- NuPEDEN, Nucleus for Research, Education, Dissemination and Neurosciences Popularization, Department of Neurobiology and Program of Neurosciences, Institute of Biology, Federal Fluminense University, Niterói, Brazil
- Department of Neurobiology and Program of Neurosciences, Institute of Biology, Federal Fluminense University, Niterói, Brazil
| | - Luana da Silva Chagas
- NuPEDEN, Nucleus for Research, Education, Dissemination and Neurosciences Popularization, Department of Neurobiology and Program of Neurosciences, Institute of Biology, Federal Fluminense University, Niterói, Brazil
- Department of Neurobiology and Program of Neurosciences, Institute of Biology, Federal Fluminense University, Niterói, Brazil
| | - Helena de Souza Pereira
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Institute of Biology, Federal Fluminense University, Niterói, Brazil
| | - Elizabeth Giestal-de-Araujo
- Department of Neurobiology and Program of Neurosciences, Institute of Biology, Federal Fluminense University, Niterói, Brazil
| | - Analía Arévalo
- Department of Experimental Surgery, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Priscilla Oliveira-Silva Bomfim
- NuPEDEN, Nucleus for Research, Education, Dissemination and Neurosciences Popularization, Department of Neurobiology and Program of Neurosciences, Institute of Biology, Federal Fluminense University, Niterói, Brazil
- Department of Neurobiology and Program of Neurosciences, Institute of Biology, Federal Fluminense University, Niterói, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Priscilla Oliveira-Silva Bomfim,
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Jolles J, Jolles DD. On Neuroeducation: Why and How to Improve Neuroscientific Literacy in Educational Professionals. Front Psychol 2021; 12:752151. [PMID: 34925156 PMCID: PMC8678470 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.752151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
New findings from the neurosciences receive much interest for use in the applied field of education. For the past 15 years, neuroeducation and the application of neuroscience knowledge were seen to have promise, but there is presently some lack of progress. The present paper states that this is due to several factors. Neuromyths are still prevalent, and there is a confusion of tongues between the many neurodisciplines and the domains of behavioral and educational sciences. Second, a focus upon cognitive neuroimaging research has yielded findings that are scientifically relevant, but cannot be used for direct application in the classroom. A third factor pertains to the emphasis which has been on didactics and teaching, whereas the promise of neuroeducation for the teacher may lie more on pedagogical inspiration and support. This article states that the most important knowledge and insights have to do with the notion of brain plasticity; the vision that development is driven by an interaction between a person's biology and the social system. This helps individuals to select and process information, and to adapt to the personal environment. The paper describes how brain maturation and neuropsychological development extend through the important period of adolescence and emergent adulthood. Over this long period, there is a major development of the Executive Functions (EFs) that are essential for both cognitive learning, social behavior and emotional processing and, eventually, personal growth. The paper describes the basic neuroscience knowledge and insights - or "neuroscientific literacy" - that the educational professional should have to understand and appreciate the above-described themes. The authors formulate a proposal for four themes of neuroscience content "that every teacher should know." These four themes are based on the Neuroscience Core Concepts formulated by the Society for Neuroscience. The authors emphasize that integrating neuroscientific knowledge and insights in the field of education should not be a one-way street; attempts directed at improving neuroscientific literacy are a transdisciplinary undertaking. Teacher trainers, experts from the neuroscience fields but also behavioral scientists from applied fields (notable applied neuropsychologists) should all contribute to for the educational innovations needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelle Jolles
- Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Dietsje D. Jolles
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Institute of Education and Child Studies, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
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Peer Presence Effect on Numerosity and Phonological Comparisons in 4th Graders: When Working with a SchoolMate Makes Children More Adult-like. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10090902. [PMID: 34571779 PMCID: PMC8470134 DOI: 10.3390/biology10090902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary The presence of others helps us when we are good or an expert at something and hinders us when we are bad or novice. Such social facilitation or inhibition is well-documented in adults, but much less in children despite the omnipresence of peers throughout education. To explore potential peer presence effects on children’s academic performance, fourth-graders performed basic numerical and language skills (typically mastered at their age) either alone or with a schoolmate. For comparison, the same was performed in adults. We found that a schoolmate’s presence enabled children to perform more like adults, with a better response strategy and faster and less variable response times than children tested alone. This provides research-based evidence supporting pedagogical methods promoting collective practice of individually acquired knowledge. Future studies pursuing this hitherto neglected developmental exploration of peer presence effects on academic achievements might have the potential to help educators tailor their pedagogical choices to maximize peer presence when beneficial and minimize it when harmful. The present study also paves the way towards a neuroimaging investigation of how peer presence changes the way the child brain processes cognitive tasks relevant to education. Abstract Little is known about how peers’ mere presence may, in itself, affect academic learning and achievement. The present study addresses this issue by exploring whether and how the presence of a familiar peer affects performance in a task assessing basic numeracy and literacy skills: numerosity and phonological comparisons. We tested 99 fourth-graders either alone or with a classmate. Ninety-seven college-aged young adults were also tested on the same task, either alone or with a familiar peer. Peer presence yielded a reaction time (RT) speedup in children, and this social facilitation was at least as important as that seen in adults. RT distribution analyses indicated that the presence of a familiar peer promotes the emergence of adult-like features in children. This included shorter and less variable reaction times (confirmed by an ex-Gaussian analysis), increased use of an optimal response strategy, and, based on Ratcliff’s diffusion model, speeded up nondecision (memory and/or motor) processes. Peer presence thus allowed children to at least narrow (for demanding phonological comparisons), and at best, virtually fill in (for unchallenging numerosity comparisons) the developmental gap separating them from adult levels of performance. These findings confirm the influence of peer presence on skills relevant to education and lay the groundwork for exploring how the brain mechanisms mediating this fundamental social influence evolve during development.
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Privitera AJ. A scoping review of research on neuroscience training for teachers. Trends Neurosci Educ 2021; 24:100157. [PMID: 34412863 DOI: 10.1016/j.tine.2021.100157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Including neuroscience concepts in teacher training has continued to gain interest. While many studies advocate for this, little is known about currently published research. METHODS The framework for a scoping review was followed in order to generate a more comprehensive understanding of current research on neuroscience training for teachers. The present study aims to: (1) describe the scope of existing research; (2) summarize findings; and (3) provide recommendations for future inquiry. RESULTS Limited studies and methodological issues prevent strong conclusions from being drawn about the impact of this training although most results are promising. CONCLUSIONS This scoping review provides the first comprehensive summary of the existing research on neuroscience training for teachers and discusses a number of considerations for improving future research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam John Privitera
- Laboratory for Communication Science, Faculty of Education, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR.
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10
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Lodge JM, Harrison WJ. The Role of Attention in Learning in the Digital Age. THE YALE JOURNAL OF BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2019; 92:21-28. [PMID: 30923470 PMCID: PMC6430174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
New and evolving technologies provide great opportunities for learning. With these opportunities, though, come questions about the impact of new ways of acquiring information on our brain and mind. Many commentators argue that access to the Internet is having a persistent detrimental impact on the brain. In particular, attention has been implicated as a cognitive function that has been negatively impacted by use of digital technologies for learning. In this paper, we critique this claim by analyzing the current understanding of the cognitive neuroscience of attention and research in educational settings on how technologies are influencing learning. Across the two bodies of literature, a complex situation emerges placing doubt on the claim that the use of digital technologies for learning is negatively affecting the brain. We suggest therefore that a more systemic approach to understanding the relationship between technologies and attention involving researchers examining the relationship at different levels from the laboratory to the real world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason M. Lodge
- School of Education, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia,Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia,To whom all correspondence should be addressed: Jason M. Lodge, School of Education, Room 403, Social Sciences Building (24), The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia;
| | - William J. Harrison
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
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11
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Horvath JC, Donoghue GM, Horton AJ, Lodge JM, Hattie JAC. On the Irrelevance of Neuromyths to Teacher Effectiveness: Comparing Neuro-Literacy Levels Amongst Award-Winning and Non-award Winning Teachers. Front Psychol 2018; 9:1666. [PMID: 30271361 PMCID: PMC6142030 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
A number of studies have recently demonstrated a high level of belief in ‘neuromyths’ (fallacious arguments about the brain) amongst trainee and non-award winning educators. The authors of these studies infer this to mean that acceptance of these neuromyths has a negative impact on teaching effectiveness. In this study, we explored this assumption by assessing the prevalence of neuromyth acceptance amongst a group of internationally recognized, award-winning teachers and comparing this to previously published data with trainee and non-award winning teacher populations. Results revealed the acceptance of neuromyths to be nearly identical between these two groups, with the only difference occurring on 2 (out of 15) items. These findings suggest that one cannot make simple, unqualified arguments concerning the relationship between belief in neuromyths and teacher effectiveness. In fact, the idea that neuromyths negatively impact upon teaching might, itself, be a neuromyth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jared Cooney Horvath
- Melbourne Graduate School of Education, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Gregory M Donoghue
- Melbourne Graduate School of Education, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Alex J Horton
- Melbourne Graduate School of Education, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jason M Lodge
- Melbourne Graduate School of Education, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - John A C Hattie
- Melbourne Graduate School of Education, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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12
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Dresler T, Bugden S, Gouet C, Lallier M, Oliveira DG, Pinheiro-Chagas P, Pires AC, Wang Y, Zugarramurdi C, Weissheimer J. A Translational Framework of Educational Neuroscience in Learning Disorders. Front Integr Neurosci 2018; 12:25. [PMID: 30022931 PMCID: PMC6039789 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2018.00025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2017] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroimaging has undergone enormous progress during the last two and a half decades. The combination of neuroscientific methods and educational practice has become a focus of interdisciplinary research in order to answer more applied questions. In this realm, conditions that hamper learning success and have deleterious effects in the population - such as learning disorders (LD) - could especially profit from neuroimaging findings. At the moment, however, there is an ongoing debate about how far neuroscientific research can go to inform the practical work in educational settings. Here, we put forward a theoretical translational framework as a method of conducting neuroimaging and bridging it to education, with a main focus on dyscalculia and dyslexia. Our work seeks to represent a theoretical but mainly empirical guide on the benefits of neuroimaging, which can help people working with different aspects of LD, who need to act collaboratively to reach the full potential of neuroimaging. We provide possible ideas regarding how neuroimaging can inform LD at different levels within our multidirectional framework, i.e., mechanisms, diagnosis/prognosis, training/intervention, and community/education. In addition, we discuss methodological, conceptual, and structural limitations that need to be addressed by future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Dresler
- LEAD Graduate School & Research Network, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stephanie Bugden
- Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- The Numerical Cognition Lab, Department of Psychology, Brain and Mind Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Camilo Gouet
- Laboratorio de Neurociencias Cognitivas, Escuela de Psicología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Marie Lallier
- Basque Center on Cognition, Brain and Language, San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Darlene G. Oliveira
- Instituto Presbiteriano Mackenzie, Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Pedro Pinheiro-Chagas
- Cognitive Neuroimaging Unit, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Paris, France
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience, Stanford Human Intracranial Cognitive Electrophysiology Program, Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Ana C. Pires
- Centro de Investigación Básica en Psicología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Yunqi Wang
- School of International Studies, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Camila Zugarramurdi
- Basque Center on Cognition, Brain and Language, San Sebastián, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Básica en Psicología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
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Arantes M, Barbosa JM, Ferreira MA. Neuroanatomy education: The impact on perceptions, attitudes, and knowledge of an intensive course on general practice residents. ANATOMICAL SCIENCES EDUCATION 2017; 10:465-474. [PMID: 28264141 DOI: 10.1002/ase.1686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2016] [Revised: 01/28/2017] [Accepted: 02/04/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
General practitioners are responsible for the management of an increasing number of patients with neurological illness, and thus a solid education in neurosciences is a necessary component of their training. This study examines the effects of an intensive clinical neuroanatomy course on twenty general practice residents' perceptions, attitudes, and knowledge. A knowledge test was completed by the participants and by a control group at four different time points. The participants were asked to answer a questionnaire about their reasons for signing up for the course and their attitudes and perceptions toward the course experience. Experimental and control groups demonstrated identical mean baseline test scores. The experimental group significantly increased its test scores (plus 49.0% correct answers, a mean improvement of 120%) relative to controls after the educational intervention. There were no differences among scores from the evaluated time points after the educational intervention in the experimental group. In the control group, there were likewise no significant differences between the four evaluated time points. Most participants indicated that they signed up for the course to update/acquire knowledge and skills in the field of neurosciences, and also because they had difficulty in diagnosing and managing patients with neurological diseases. Participants' attitudes and perceptions toward the course experience were very positive. Most of the participants (n = 17; 85%) rated the course as "extremely useful," and 3 (15%) rated it as "very useful." This study provides evidence demonstrating the potential positive effect of neurosciences education to general practice residents. Anat Sci Educ 10: 465-474. © 2017 American Association of Anatomists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mavilde Arantes
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, Portuguese Institute of Oncology, Porto, Portugal
| | - Joselina Maria Barbosa
- Department of Medical Education and Simulation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria Amélia Ferreira
- Department of Medical Education and Simulation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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14
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Papadatou-Pastou M, Haliou E, Vlachos F. Brain Knowledge and the Prevalence of Neuromyths among Prospective Teachers in Greece. Front Psychol 2017; 8:804. [PMID: 28611700 PMCID: PMC5447089 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2017.00804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2016] [Accepted: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Although very often teachers show a great interest in introducing findings from the field of neuroscience in their classrooms, there is growing concern about the lack of academic instruction on neuroscience on teachers' curricula because this has led to a proliferation of neuromyths. We surveyed 479 undergraduate (mean age = 19.60 years, SD = 2.29) and 94 postgraduate students (mean age = 28.52 years, SD = 7.16) enrolled in Departments of Education at the University of Thessaly and the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. We used a 70-item questionnaire aiming to explore general knowledge on the brain, neuromyths, the participants' attitude toward neuroeducation as well as their reading habits. Prospective teachers were found to believe that neuroscience knowledge is useful for teachers (90.3% agreement), to be somewhat knowledgeable when it comes to the brain (47.33% of the assertions were answered correctly), but to be less well informed when it comes to neuroscientific issues related to special education (36.86% correct responses). Findings further indicate that general knowledge about the brain was found to be the best safeguard against believing in neuromyths. Based on our results we suggest that prospective teachers can benefit from academic instruction on neuroscience. We propose that such instruction takes place in undergraduate courses of Departments of Education and that emphasis is given in debunking neuromyths, enhancing critical reading skills, and dealing with topics relevant to special education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marietta Papadatou-Pastou
- Faculty of Primary Education, Research Center for Psychophysiology and Education, School of Education, National and Kapodistrian University of AthensAthens, Greece.,Cognition and Health Research Group, Department of Experimental Psychology, University of OxfordOxford, United Kingdom
| | - Eleni Haliou
- Faculty of Primary Education, Research Center for Psychophysiology and Education, School of Education, National and Kapodistrian University of AthensAthens, Greece
| | - Filippos Vlachos
- Department of Special Education, University of ThessalyVolos, Greece
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15
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