The word neuroplasticity was first used by Polish neuroscientist Jerzy Konorski in 1948 to describe changes observed in neuronal structures.
Neuroplasticity is a term that refers to the brain’s ability to be flexible and changeable. It describes how the structure and function of the brain can change under experiences, learning, trauma and other environmental factors. Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to adapt. Some neural connections strengthen, others weaken or change completely in response to our experiences. When we learn something new, we create new connections between our nerve cells. Our brain reorganizes and restructures these connections to adapt to new situations.
This process happens depending on our experiences and learning processes. For example, as we practice a skill over and over again, the neural pathways involved strengthen and make that skill better. Likewise, when we don’t stop using a skill or after a trauma, the neural pathways involved can weaken or change.
Neuroplasticity is also of great importance in brain injury recovery and rehabilitation. For example, in rehabilitation after a stroke, healthy areas of the brain can take over the functions of damaged areas or form new connections, which can help the patient regain mobility.
Not only do we use drugs and chemicals to change the way our brains function, but we also go to great lengths to modify our psychological thought patterns. But if even simple activities that we do frequently in our daily lives could permanently and significantly change the structure and function of our brains, the value of learning would become even more apparent.
The relationship between neuroplasticity and learning is quite clear: When we learn something new, our brain makes new inter-neuronal connections. Every learning experience has the potential to change the current functioning of our brain. In the learning process, our brains can benefit from neuroplasticity. Especially complex skills, such as learning a new language or playing a new instrument, can benefit from this plasticity. This kind of learning can help us understand how the brain is shaped in a targeted way.
Integrating our brain’s extraordinary abilities into our daily lives depends on encouraging neuroplasticity and broadening our perspective.
Reference: Psychologist Merve Altındağ
KAPUOĞLU, E. Ç. (2023). EĞİTİM ve ÖĞRENMENİN FİZYOLOJİK TEMELİ: NÖROPLASTİSİTE. FLSF Felsefe ve Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi, (36), 447-464
Başaran, D. C., Yıldırım, F., Ekenci, B. Y., Kılıç, S., & Ülgen, P. (2013). Nöroplastisite ve Güncel Yaklaşımlar. Başkent üniversitesi, 15. C. E. Ackerman, et al. Nöroplastisite Nedir? Beynimiz, Değişen Çevre Koşullarda Kendisini Nasıl Değiştirir?. (11 Aralık 2020). Alındığı Tarih: 6 Nisan 2024. Alındığı Yer: https://evrimagaci.org/s/9644
