Where Do We Go From Here?
It is difficult to say where the future of the collaboration between Cognitive Neuroscience and Education is going, but it is hard to imagine the study of the structures and functions of the brain becoming any less important to the study of learning and thinking.
In the table below, Varma, McCandliss, and Schwartz (2008) summarize the challenges of reconciling neuroscience with education and re-frames them in the form of opportunities. |
Is this re-framing a realistic form of optimism or just wishful thinking?
Neuroscientist Jack Gallant was asked but Stephen Dubner (at 5:50) what he would do with billions of dollars and a huge research staff. He replied, "Basic neuroscience." He goes on to say that what neuroscientists are really lacking is data. That pool of data is growing every day.
What's Next?The state of the art of neuro-imaging is advancing rapidly but, as we have seen, there are still great difficulties in interpreting the results. Advancements in computation and statistical analysis may help improve our ability to glean useful information from current tools and future technological developments may open more doors. Discuss whether you think technological advances are capable of bridging the gap that still exists between education and cognitive neuroscience.
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Answer in the comments below.