The Science of Learning and Neuroplasticity

We would all agree that learning has a lot to do with our brain, one important organ that not only helps us learn but is also responsible for moulding our personality as a result of that learning.

So, let us look at what happens in our brain, during the process of learning.

The human brain is a 3 pound, physical organ made up of cells and tissues and resides in our head protected by our skull bone. Our brain is classically described as the Forebrain, Midbrain and Hindbrain based on the position of its different parts. In the context of evolution, the hindbrain and midbrain are ancient; they are the older brains found in lower evolved species like reptiles and smaller animals. The hindbrain is responsible for the instinctive functions and the midbrain, along with the limbic system is responsible for emotional responses. The forebrain is the newer brain, which is found in higher evolved species like apes and human beings and is responsible for their intellect and reasoning. In human beings, this forebrain has further evolved and a part of it, just behind the forehead, called the prefrontal cortex is the most evolved part of the brain. This prefrontal cortex, specifically the medial prefrontal cortex is crucial for logical thinking, complex problem solving and intuitive thinking.

If you take a slice of the brain tissue, it is made of grey and white matter. The grey matter is made up of neurons, also known as brain cells. And they comprise about 10% of the brain tissue. There are about 100 billion neurons in our brain and each is capable of having around 10,000 connections with the neighbouring cells. The white matter is made up of cells called glial cells which comprise about 90% of the brain tissue and support the brain cells. The white matter acts as a relay and helps coordinate communication between different brain regions and brain cells.

Now let’s talk about Neuroplasticity, the science behind Learning. The word Neuroplasticity stems from two words, “Neuro” meaning Neuron and “plastic” meaning something that can be changed or modified. Neuroplasticity can be defined as the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. In other words,” Rewire “itself, or make new cells, in other words, “repair”. Neuroplasticity allows the neurons in the brain to compensate for injury and disease and to adjust their activities in response to new situations, to changes in their environment or any other external stimuli.

The neurons communicate with each other via electrical impulses, chemicals that are called neurotransmitters. Two neurons are connected to each other via dendrites, this connection is called a synapse. So, information between two cells can be transferred through electrical impulses by the release of neurotransmitters. NEURONS THAT FIRE TOGETHER, WIRE TOGETHER, is a famous quote often used in neuroscience and it simply means that by repeatedly stimulating or firing similar brain cells, their connections become stronger and they tend to wire together. This is the basis behind the quote PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT and the theory behind our basic learning process by repetition. At the same time, if a certain act is not practised, the neuronal connections tend to get weaker. “IF YOU DON’T USE IT YOU LOSE IT” is the second principle of learning in terms of neuroplasticity. Earlier it was thought that this neuroplasticity is limited to children but now there is growing evidence to support that this is a continuous process and occurs throughout adulthood and old age. However, the plasticity of a developing child’s brain is more than that of an adult and hence the need to harness it in the earlier years.

There are 3 possible ways in which neuroplasticity causes changes in our brain during the process of learning:

1. Chemical changes: This happens because of the transfer of neurotransmitters between the neurons. This kind of learning leads to the acquisition of short term memory or skills. For example, learning a new musical instrument like a piano.

2. Structural changes: Here there is a change in the structure of the brain in terms of making new brain cells, or connections, leading to the increase in the volume of the brain in the affected area. This leads to long term learning and memory. For example, studies have shown that the hippocampal area of the taxi drivers in London is bigger than the rest of the population. This area is responsible for long term memory. Another example is in terms of handedness, the left part of the brain responsible for hand movements is more in volume in right-handed people.

3. Functional changes: Here one part of the brain takes up the function of another part. This kind of neuroplasticity is also known as cross-modal plasticity. For example, sensory substitution, as seen in blindfolded reading in children. We will learn more about it in the upcoming lectures.

Another aspect of learning involves the state of mind of the child at the time of learning. A highly distracted mind because of physical or emotional condition, often fails to comprehend input and hence may not succeed in memorizing or using the input for any practical use. Imagine somebody in a very high state of excitement. In such a state, does the participant listen and observe carefully? Is it possible to learn without being a keen observer and listener? The emotional state of anxiety, worry, anger often affects our ability to learn.

The human brain’s activity can be mapped by a device called an Electroencephalogram (EEG). The EEG has a frequency range from around 0.5 hertz to 30 HZ, which is usually subdivided into 5 bands namely, gamma, beta, alpha, theta and delta. And each of these bands can be correlated with specific behavioural states. The higher frequencies like gamma and beta are dominant during the normal awake busy state of consciousness. The alpha state is dominant during dreaming, light meditation with eyes closed and is a relaxed state of our consciousness. Theta, again is related with sleep and deeper states of meditation and state of relaxation and delta, with deep sleep and very very deep meditation.

Studies have shown that our brain when in a calm and relaxed state of mind or the states that correspond to alpha or theta brainwave frequencies is better adapted at learning and there is better retention of memory. This relaxed state of the brain may also be helpful in unlocking our hidden intuitive potential.

Learning is not just limited to the child’s brain and the state of mind but is also highly influenced by the learning environment.

We will explore this learning environment in detail in the next article.