RELEVANCE OF NEUROSCIENCE
Knowing your strengths and how you learn and think, and acting on this
knowledge, is the key to performance.”
Peter Drucker – Father of Leadership
The only way that learners and educational institutions will maintain their
competitive advantage in a rapidly changing and turbulent world is if they can
out-think, out-learn and out-create their competition. Thinking, learning and
creativity are the main functions of the brain. This makes brain power the number
one determiner for success in this millennium, hence the reason why Neuro-Link
specializes in the neuroscience of learning and talent development. This unique
field grew from the need for mental literacy in the Millennium of the Mind and
the Century of the Brain. It applies relevant neuroscientific information and
research to assess potential and develop talent.
In education, training and development until now, our field of study has had its
roots in pedagogy, didactics and development psychology.
Cognitive neuroscience is the study of mental brain processes and its underlying
neural systems. It includes thinking and behaviour and is emphasized by the
learning brain. Therefore, cognitive science looks at how the brain learns, stores
and uses the information it acquires to change behavior. It is through learning
that the brain enables people to adapt to a constantly changing environment.
The area of overlap between the different disciplines, including cognitive science
and education, has been identified as a trans-disciplinary field of study called
educational neuroscience or neuro-education. This field investigates basic
biological processes involved in becoming literate and numerate, and explores
learning how to learn, cognitive control, mental flexibility, motivation as well as
social and emotional learning experiences.
Education and training professionals should only use research that provides
sufficient evidence and that can be put into practice. Cognitive science is a
promising field of study and has exciting potential studies ahead.
Therefore, all education, training and development professionals should have a
fundamental knowledge about the brain and apply cognitive neuroscience
evidence to their practice’ of developing people. In the 21st century companies
and educational institutions will put much more emphasis on individual, social
and organizational learning to innovate and compete successfully in the global
knowledge economy.
Cognitive neuroscience of learning is one of the most researched sciences today.
However, there are at the same time questionable media reports and claims
about brain-based learning that, according to some scientists, often over-simplify,
misrepresent and allow for “neuro-myths” to flourish.
WHY NEUROSCIENCE?
 It has a very strong physiological base
 A neuroscientific approach in talent development produces profound
practical results
 It includes information and research in sciences like anatomy, biochemistry,
genetics, immunology, physiology, psychology, education etc.
 It complements any technical and people development science like
Neurolinguistic Programming, Emotional Intelligence, and integrates easily
with other learning technologies
Certain aspects of brain-based learning have become prerequisites for any other
learning intervention as it:
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Switches on the brain for learning.
Prepares the brain for learning
Accelerates learning.
Enhances behavior change.
Ensures better learning results.
For more information about the neuroscientific approach to learning and all that
Neuro-Link has to offer please have a look at www.neurolink.company
Dr Andre Vermeulen
www.drandrevermeulen.com