From a very early age in the life cycle, we are integrated with the act of learning in order to sustain vital activity. In fact, some learned behaviours are so ingrained in our neurons that they become reflexes over time. Learning is a psychological process and involves cognitive, emotional and social factors.
From a neurobiological perspective, learning is defined as a biochemical process, distinguishing it from other theories. In order to better understand this approach, a basic understanding of brain functioning, models of brain structure and functioning, and a detailed understanding of the main factors affecting learning are necessary.
On the other hand, according to cognitive theorists, learning is a process that takes place in the mind of the individual and cannot be directly observed. Cognitive theory focuses more on mental events such as understanding, perceiving, thinking and is interested in the mental consequences of learning. Affective theorists, on the other hand, emphasize the affective consequences of learning, such as moods and motivation, rather than its nature.
Neuroscience examines the relationship between the brain and nervous system and cognitive behaviors, providing the opportunity to investigate in detail many variables such as memory, emotion, attention, and patterning and their effects on learning (Taşçıoğlu, 1994; Weiss, 2000; Thomas, 2001; Soylu, 2004).
The neuropsychological structure of learning is observed in several areas.
As a result of the learning process, new axons are observed to form in neurons. Each learning experience involves the formation of new synaptic connections. In this context, learning is explained as a biochemical change. The roles of different brain regions and the cells involved in learning events and processes are studied. At the cellular level, this study focuses on the responses of individual cells, while at the connectivity level it provides information on the signal transduction that takes place at the synaptic connection between two nerve cells, and at the molecular level on the chemical interactions that take place in the membrane or inside a nerve cell.
In the learning process, motivation, the personality of the instructor and the environment in which the information is presented are of great importance. A significant part of our life is spent in the school environment. The information we learn here does not only provide us with an academic basis. It also forms the way we express our emotions, cope with difficulties and exist in society.
The role of teachers who accompany us in the whole learning process is very important.
Happy Teachers’ Day to our teachers, who are role models for us in the process of making sense of our relationship with the world, whom we see almost as close as our parents.
Reference:
Psychologist Merve Altındağ
AÇIKGÖZ, N., & Bülent, M. A. D. İ. (2013). ÖĞRENME İLE BEYİNDE OLUŞAN DEĞİŞİKLİKLER (PLASTİSİTE). Marmara Üniversitesi Atatürk Eğitim Fakültesi Eğitim Bilimleri Dergisi, 9(9), 29-36.
