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Brain Plasticity: A New Frontier For Education and Learning

November 11, 2010 by Carrie Gajowski

Neuroplasticity Dr. Norman Doidge is the author of the book The Brain That Changes Itself and in this book, he reveals a fascinating look at how the brain can literally rewire itself throughout the lifespan, even into old age. He shows how the brain is “plastic” and can change at any age, based on the stimuli it is being given. The brain is no longer thought of as “fixed” or “unchanging.” You literally train it in everything you do during your daily life. This is the concept of “neuroplasticity.”

Dr. Doidge researched this idea of “neuroplasticity” to find that miracles can and do occur as it relates to how the brain can function. Brains can be “rewired” for success in school. It has been found that functioning can be restored in brains that have either declined because of old age or because of an injury to the brain. This is a fascinating new world to explore in the arena of human development and how people function in the world around them.

Dr. Doidge participated in an interview last spring on the topic of brain plasticity, which you can listen to online. Here are some of the discussion points from the interview:

Part One: The concept of brain plasticity, what it means and how it works.
Part Two: How our brain learns, how technology plays a role in the learning process and how it affects our brain and brain development.
Part Three: An exploration of communication and the roles of computers, text messages and email messages today, including an interesting discussion of how we tend to keep information on technology outside of ourselves, rather than inside our heads.
Part Four: Who can benefit from the concept of brain plasticity and how can it help education today?

Brain plasticity is a newer idea and concept. Whether you are already a fan of Dr. Norman Doidge or just hearing about brain plasticity for the first time, don’t miss this interview – it is wonderfully informative and eye-opening. As more research continues to be done on the brain, it will be exciting to see what new things are learned about how the brain functions. More importantly, it will be fascinating to see how brain plasticity can provide hope to people everywhere.