Research in Learning

Most brain-based learning theories focus on three functional aspects of learning: perception, cognition and interaction corresponding to the processes of the information received, synthesized, and then utilized in an interactive way to perform a task. These gross functional approximations do not lead to an understanding of the fundamentals of the molecular learning process that involves electrical signals and chemical transfers between neurons at synapses. Hence, the research is now focused on the neuro-physiology of learning. Recent neurological research indicates that learning happens at the synaptic connections with the formation of proteins by the mRNA that gets activated as a result of Long Term Potential (LTP) at the synaptic cleft.

The proteins thus created at the synaptic cleft store the vital information which has been sent to the neural network by the perceptive organs. The 'Synaptic Plasticity', or the strength of the synaptic connection, changes by repeated signals sent by repeated actions.

It is now proven by researchers that synaptic plasticity can change with the LTP and repetition of information going through synaptic connections, thereby increasing the strength of connection for a task that is learned. A set of neurons that are required to complete a task will have a flow of electric pulse through them forming a pathway of participating neurons. Once this path is traveled by the electrical pulse by the same activity, the synaptic connections become stronger over time and electric pulses takes less time to travel to complete the task.

Therefore, there are two factors that directly affect the Brain-based Adaptive Learning (BbAL) process, leading to the creation of memory proteins at the synaptic clefts:

• Strengthening of neural pathways engaged in a task for creation of procedural memory proteins, such as, learning to drive a car.
• The strength of signal for creating long-term potential (LTP) again, giving rise to memory proteins based on the impression caused by a learning activity.

The Brain-based Adaptive Learning process enables enhancement of both neural pathways and amplification of long term potential for learning, by taking a learner through different learning pathways in a repeated fashion and enhancing the electrical signal every time a learner goes through the adaptive learning cycle.

Reference:

Sonwalkar, N.,"The Paradigm Shift for Adult Education:  From Educational Slavery to Learning Freedom of Human Brain with Synaptic Learning", in Online Education and Adult Learning: New Frontiers for Teaching Practice, Eds. Terry Kidd,  IGI Global Publishing, Hershey, PA, September, 2009