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An envisioned bridge: schooling as a neurocognitive developmental institution
David P Baker1, Daniel Salinas, Paul J Eslinger
1Department of Education Policy Studies, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802, United States. dpb4@psu.edu
Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience
|June 12, 2012
Summary
Social science research, particularly sociology of education, offers crucial insights into how schooling shapes neurocognitive development. Integrating this with cognitive neuroscience can enhance our understanding of the brain
Area of Science:
- Interdisciplinary studies bridging cognitive neuroscience and educational research.
- Sociology of education and the cultural impact of formal schooling.
Background:
- The contribution of social science research to cognitive neuroscience and education is often overlooked.
- Sociology of education and cultural studies provide insights into the social environment's role in neurocognitive development.
- Formal schooling significantly influences cognitive and neurological development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize existing research from social sciences and neuroscience to foster interdisciplinary integration.
- To highlight how formal education shapes cognition and its societal impact.
- To explore neuroscience findings that support the effects of schooling on neurocognitive development.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of two distinct clusters of research literature.
- Review of studies on the social construction of cognition through formal education.
- Examination of neuroscience research investigating the neurological basis of schooling effects.
Main Results:
- Formal education socially constructs cognition, influencing neurological and cognitive development.
- Schooling's developmental influence is expanding demographically and culturally.
- Neuroscience research provides evidence supporting the impact of schooling on neurocognitive development.
Conclusions:
- Integrating social science and neuroscience research offers a more ecologically valid framework for studying brain development.
- This integration can illuminate the evolving functional architecture of the contemporary brain.
- Underappreciated social science research is key to bridging the gap between neuroscience and education.
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