Mirror neurons and their role in learning

In recent years, different learning theories based on neuroscience knowledge have grown. Neuroscience refers to different scientific fields that address knowledge about the structure, functioning and interpretations of both the nervous system and the brain , being one of the largest fields of research in the last twenty-five years.

Brain development from an early age is something that worries most parents. Therefore, knowing how to handle the tools to get the most out of full brain development, intellectual growth and good emotional intelligence has become one of the priorities of neuroeducation .

BUT HOW DOES THE CHILD’S BRAIN WORK?

According to the neuropsychologist Álvaro Bilbao, the child’s brain is divided into three parts:

• • Reptilian brain: the most primitive of all, found at the bottom. It allows you to fight for survival by regulating alert states.

• • Emotional brain: located in the second level, it was developed by the first mammals and bases its operation on distinguishing pleasant and unpleasant emotions .

• • Rational brain: located in the lower part, it is the most evolved, which makes us distinguish ourselves from animals. It allows us to be aware of ourselves, to communicate and, above all, to reason.

In children, especially babies, the singing voice is carried by the reptilian brain, it is of little use to reason when they are hungry or to explain that it will take time to heat the bottle and that they do not cry. The only thing that calms the crying is getting their needs met as soon as possible.

From the first year of life, the emotional and reptilian part coexist together and parents must work on different types of strategies to be able to engage both the most primitive instincts of the child and their emotional needs such as love and security. It is at this time where limits, empathy, affection and the work of mirror neurons will be great allies for any parent.

A little later, from the age of three, the rational brain becomes the protagonist. She already has the ability to control her basic instincts and be guided by her reason and will, although large doses of affection are still necessary to master the emotional part, and the reptilian can still take control at certain times over her behavior. It is therefore necessary for parents to learn to deal with these three parts so that they understand the development of the behavior of the little ones.

WHAT ARE MIRROR NEURONS?

The mirror neurons are a group of cells discovered by the team of neurobiologist Giacomo Rizzolatti and are related to social behavior, imitative and empathic. They allow to “reflect” the action of another in our own brain, hence its name. For example, when we hear someone speak and we see him gesture, our mirror neurons in charge of controlling the tongue and lips during speech are activated .

His discovery came from the hand of a study in primates in a fortuitous way, since when the ape made a specific movement with his hands, his brain was activated but also when another of his species made that same movement.

HOW DO MIRROR NEURONS WORK IN CHILDREN’S LEARNING?

Children develop most of their intellectual and emotional skills through observation. For example, if you are afraid of dogs and every time you see one and scream in fear, your child will be afraid of dogs. If your child sees you confront a problem in a respectful and calm way, his brain will be able to imagine in that situation and do it in the same way.

Mirror neurons silently rehearse in each new situation that children face as training so that their brain can repeat them in similar situations.

So the first thing we must take into account in the process of promoting appropriate learning behaviors is to offer good role models that the child can imitate. During the teaching-learning process, mirror neurons allow us to empathize with the skills, content or skills that we are assimilating. This makes us become social beings that interact with each other, reinforcing learning through emotions. As Eduard Punset said “there is no project without emotion”. So, when we see that a behavior is appropriate and that mirror neurons are doing their job, we must reinforce the behavior through positive reinforcement. Reinforcing means compensating and we do it after taking a valuable action, especially because the child feels motivated to do that action again. The best would be an emotional or social reinforcement. For example, if he has obeyed the first one, you can compensate him by playing together or by letting him help you prepare dinner.

We must not forget that parents are the main models of imitation and development of the mirror neurons of their children. Having an awareness of this process will help you to get the best version of yourself, using the opportunity for your own benefit.

HOW TO ENHANCE LEARNING WITH MIRROR NEURONS?

• • It is very important that the little ones interact with children of other ages since they can learn both through imitation and their own activity. This is something that can be observed very well among the brothers .

• • Smile. Emotional contagion is the precursor to empathy.

• • Boost self-esteem. Your children must feel loved and important.

• • Active listening. This is a way to activate your own mirror neurons and help to develop your own and to be able to empathize with others.

• • Encourage cooperative work both in the classroom and at home to the detriment of competitiveness and individuality.

• • The look. Visual connection is a key element for real and empathetic communication.

• • Embrace. Long and deep hugs that allow you to connect with the other person and fill you with part of their energy.

• Create an optimistic climate at home.