Brain Research and Baloney

In her article, "Primed for Learning: The Young Child's Mind," an article in the Beginnings Workshop Book: Curriculum, Brain Research, Math, Science, Karen Stephens offers this caution:

"I've waded through an explosion of brain research literature. Some of it was beyond my technical needs. A neuroscientist, I'm not! But I plodded on to find a gold mine of knowledge.

"When hearing implications of brain studies, be a wise and thoughtful consumer. Inaccurate — or misapplied —information can harm children rather than help them. Don't accept everything you hear as absolute, final fact. For instance, actively learning to play music builds brain power; passively listening to music does not. Brain research is an emerging field, still in its infancy. New revelations, classifications, and implications surface regularly. Be moderately skeptical. Don't succumb to fads that supposedly stem from research. Follow your intuition and common sense.

"Pay closest attention to information that triggers your 'aha!' response. When brain research rings true, you'll feel it. After all, the human species has evolved to ensure survival of our young. How wonderful that science now bears out that many instinctual parenting and caregiving responses are indeed the best ones!"

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