The Role of Sleep in Learning & Forgetting
@TeacherToolkit
Ross Morrison McGill founded @TeacherToolkit in 2010, and today, he is one of the ‘most followed educators’on social media in the world. In 2015, he was nominated as one of the ‘500 Most Influential People in Britain’ by The Sunday Times as a result of…
Read more about @TeacherToolkit
Do you understand how the brain learns?
Learning is a self-organised process, deeply influenced by both the brain and environment. Understanding how it works could transform your teaching strategies. It totally has redefined everything I know about teaching!
New research (Agamennoni & Schumacher, 2024) reveals that learning is not just about absorbing information – it’s a self-organising process deeply rooted in brain dynamics and environmental interactions.
We can better tackle learning challenges and improve student outcomes by understanding how these processes work. This involves recognising that learning difficulties often stem from obstructions in these dynamic processes, such as environmental constraints or inadequate strategies.
This study focuses on two crucial aspects: 1) Cognitive control (how the brain manages attention, perception, memory, and actions) and 2) Perception (how the brain constructs reality from sensory stimuli).
These processes are central to understanding how learning happens, and when they are disrupted, learning difficulties can arise. When teachers adopt a systemic approach, teachers can identify where these processes might be hindered and adjust their teaching strategies to support brain-based learning more effectively.
Understanding neuroscience principles
Understanding these neuroscience principles is critical because it gives teachers the tools to address learning challenges in their classroom.
For example, if a student struggles with attention, it could be due to interference in these cognitive processes. Cognitive control allows students to maintain focus on goals, anticipate obstacles, and adapt strategies in real-time. When cognitive control is disrupted, learning becomes inefficient and frustrating.
Secondly, how the brain perceives and processes sensory information is fundamental to learning. Misperceptions can lead to misunderstanding or even failure to grasp new concepts. Knowing how perception is constructed enables teachers to create environments that enhance accurate perception and engagement. Theses “seven senses contribute to the construction of what is perceived.”
What should teachers do?
Teachers can apply these insights by focusing on three main areas:
- Goal-setting,
- Feedback, and
- Environment.
Start by helping students set realistic, challenging goals that match their abilities. This helps maintain motivation and reduce frustration. Use regular, constructive feedback to help them understand their progress and identify areas for improvement. Feedback should focus on the process rather than the outcome. Classrooom environments that minimise distractions and provide positive stimuli help support optimal cognitive control.
Reflection questions to consider for CPD:
- How can teachers set more realistic and motivating learning goals for students?
- Are teachers providing feedback that focuses on the process rather than just the results?
- What classroom strategies can help minimise distractions and support cognitive control?
- How does physical activity impact students’ learning in the classroom?
- How can teachers create more opportunities for self-directed learning?
- What steps are teachers taking to understand learning challenges related to brain dynamics?
- How can your school environment be adapted to support positive brain-based learning?
- What additional training or resources do teachers need to apply neuroscience findings in their practice?
Conclusion
The research concludes:
During sleep, memories are consolidated, emotions are processed, and cellular repairs take place, which is essential for maintaining a balanced and positive mental state.
Recognising that learning is a self-organised process, deeply influenced by internal and external factors, helps us to better understand and address the challenges of the classroom.
Read the full paper here.
