Open AccessTwo bridges between biology and learning
Author(s) -
Jorun Nyléhn
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
nordina
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.21
H-Index - 3
eISSN - 1894-1257
pISSN - 1504-4556
DOI - 10.5617/nordina.2436
Subject(s) - imitation , adaptation (eye) , cognitive science , relevance (law) , relation (database) , natural (archaeology) , social learning , psychology , adaptive memory , cognition , biology , computer science , neuroscience , pedagogy , paleontology , database , political science , law
Human biology, in terms of organization of our brains and our evolutionary past, constrains and enables learning. Two examples where neurobiology and evolution influences learning are given and discussed in relation to education: mirror neurons and adaptive memory. Mirror neurons serves imitation and understanding of other peoples intentions. Adaptive memory implies that our memory is an adaptation influenced by our evolutionary past, enabling us to solve problems in the present and in the future. Additionally, the aim is to contribute to bridges between natural and social sciences in an attempt to achieve an improved understanding of learning. The relevance of perspectives on learning founded in biology are discussed, and the article argues for including biological perspectives in discussions of education and learning processes.