Opinion
Science Letter to the Editor

Neuroscience Can Help Develop Instructional Tools

July 17, 2012 1 min read
  • Save to favorites
  • Print

To the Editor:

I was pleased to read the article “Neuroscientists Find Learning Is Not ‘Hard-Wired’” (June 6, 2012). It should go without saying that neuroscience can be a powerful ally to help teachers construct the most effective learning environment possible, but too often we are influenced—even biased—by “how it’s always been done” in both practice and research. Perhaps neuroscience can eventually become the catalyst for innovative instructional models.

The challenge facing education, however, is that many in research are overly attached to old ideas. Such attachment is bound to get in the way of authentic progress.

Dee Tadlock

Adjunct Faculty

Continuing Education

Central Washington University

Shelton, Wash.

A version of this article appeared in the July 18, 2012 edition of Education Week as Neuroscience Can Help Develop Instructional Tools

Events

Artificial Intelligence Live Online Discussion A Seat at the Table: AI Could Be Your Thought Partner
How can educators prepare young people for an AI-powered workplace? Join our discussion on using AI as a cognitive companion.
Student Well-Being & Movement K-12 Essentials Forum How Schools Are Teaching Students Life Skills
Join this free virtual event to explore creative ways schools have found to seamlessly integrate teaching life skills into the school day.
This content is provided by our sponsor. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of Education Week's editorial staff.
Sponsor
Special Education Webinar
Bridging the Math Gap: What’s New in Dyscalculia Identification, Instruction & State Action
Discover the latest dyscalculia research insights, state-level policy trends, and classroom strategies to make math more accessible for all.
Content provided by TouchMath

EdWeek Top School Jobs

Teacher Jobs
Search over ten thousand teaching jobs nationwide — elementary, middle, high school and more.
View Jobs
Principal Jobs
Find hundreds of jobs for principals, assistant principals, and other school leadership roles.
View Jobs
Administrator Jobs
Over a thousand district-level jobs: superintendents, directors, more.
View Jobs
Support Staff Jobs
Search thousands of jobs, from paraprofessionals to counselors and more.
View Jobs

Read Next

Science Q&A How to Get More Students Into Computer Science Classes in the Age of AI
The percentage of schools offering computer science classes has plateaued, a Code.org report found.
5 min read
Stephanie Perez, 9, right, and Jaylin Garcia Mejia, 9, center, watch an introductory lesson on A.I. during Funda Perez’ 4th grade computer applications class at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., School No. 6 in Passaic, N.J., on Oct. 14, 2025.
Fourth graders participate in an introductory lesson on artificial intelligence during a computer applications class at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., School No. 6 in Passaic, N.J., on Oct. 14, 2025. Some experts suggest schools should use computer science classes to teach AI skills.
Erica S. Lee for Education Week
Science Opinion Strategies to Help Students Embrace Science Instruction
Knowing how to redirect science denial in your classroom is a strong way to start.
9 min read
Conceptual illustration of classroom conversations and fragmented education elements coming together to form a cohesive picture of a book of classroom knowledge.
Sonia Pulido for Education Week
This content is provided by our sponsor. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of Education Week's editorial staff.
Sponsor
Science Quiz
Quiz Yourself: Evaluating Effective Science Instruction in Your District
Answer 7 questions about evaluating effective science instruction in your district.
Science Opinion Science Scores Are Down. But We Know What Would Improve Them
The when, where, and how of science instruction needs rethinking.
Emma Banay, Christine Cunningham & James Ryan
4 min read
Flat vibrant vector illustration depicting science education and learning concept. Illustration is showing different ways of learning: listening, watching, observing, exploring, experimenting, asking questions, talking and communicating, reading, drawing, and writing. The female teacher is placed on the right side and there are also two pupils each one representing different theme; one girl asking question and learning by listening  and a boy holding a hand up to answer a question.
DigitalVision Vectors/Getty