How Does the Brain Learn?
Presenter:
Brain Facts
Time:
3:48
Summary
When we are learning something new, neurons from different brain regions communicate with each other. With more exposure and practice over time, your brain creates stronger, more efficient communication between neurons.
Transcript
Did you always think that learning was due to the addition of new cells in the brain?
Then you're not the only one. Researchers found that approximately 82% of preservice teachers thought the same or did not know how learning in the brain works. Well, actually, this is not true, and this is what we call a neuromyth. In this video, we will therefore explain the real neuroscience behind learning. Learning is due to the creation of new and mostly more efficient connections between brain areas. But how does this work? Exactly?
To understand how learning occurs in the brain, we need to start with the basics. Our brain consists of billions of neurons. These neurons have dendrites which receive information and an axon which sends information. Neurons communicate with each other via electrical and chemical signals. Transmission within a neuron is electrical, and this is called an action potential.