Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have made significant strides in understanding the mechanics of learning by using brain imaging to observe the moment mice make mistakes during the learning process. This groundbreaking study, published in Nature, reveals that mice can learn new skills remarkably quickly and that learning occurs in the sensory cortex, an area previously thought to be dedicated solely to processing sensory input.
The research team, led by neuroscientist Kishore Kuchibhotla, monitored the activity of individual neurons in the auditory cortex of mice as they learned to respond to different auditory cues. The experiment involved training the mice to lick when they heard one tone and refrain from licking at another. Contrary to earlier assumptions that learning was a slow and methodical process, the results showed that the mice learned the task in just 20 to 40 attempts—an astonishingly fast rate.
Key findings from the study indicated that when the mice made errors, it was not necessarily a sign of confusion; rather, they were often testing the boundaries of their newly acquired knowledge. This insight challenges previous notions about animal learning behaviours and suggests that animals may possess greater cognitive abilities than previously understood.
First author Celine Drieu highlighted the significance of these discoveries, stating, “Our results show that the sensory cortex does more than processing sensory inputs; it is also crucial to form associations between sensory cues and reinforced actions.” The study suggests that the brain’s activity is complex, with distinct processes at play during learning and performance.
Kuchibhotla noted that these findings could have implications for understanding human learning as well, as the mechanisms observed in mice may mirror those in humans. The research emphasises the importance of brain activity in informing behaviour and learning strategies, paving the way for further exploration into cognitive processes across species.
For more information, visit the full article at Johns Hopkins University: Brain imaging reveals surprises about learning.
Professional Development that may be of interest:
Get a special discount by quoting code AISLMALL during CHECKOUT.
AISL Academy – Professional Growth & Development
AISL Academy is established with the objective to promote professional growth and enhancement in education. Launched online in August 2021, with a physical campus to be located in Bangkok Thailand being planned for the near future, AISL Academy is a global learning professional development platform for educational specialists who will have access to the latest and best practices of pedagogy, professional learning and social development, within an international, interactive and interconnected setting.
Allied Health School Services Program – Teachers workshop (90 mins)
Our team offers teacher workshops on handwriting, social stories for conversation skills, shared book reading, supporting students with learning difficulties, and self-regulation. Workshops can be customized to address specific school needs, providing practical strategies for diverse students.
Caritas – Professional Development (NGO)
Caritas Family Service, a non-profit organization serving the community for over 65 years, offers comprehensive professional development opportunities. These include clinical supervision, “Evidence-Based” counseling skills training, professional personality test training, and training sessions hosted by partner agencies. Through these diverse learning initiatives, Caritas empowers its professionals to provide impactful social services to individuals and families.
Dragonfly Professional Development Training Courses
DragonflyTV, established in 1999, has become a global leader in teacher training, delivering high-quality sessions in over 50 countries to more than 250,000 educators. Our expert trainers bring extensive experience and engaging delivery, sharing the best global practices. Supported by a team of office staff, many of whom are former teachers, we understand the importance of practical, time-efficient, and budget-friendly training.
Drama in Education Teacher Training (Course: KLCC for kindergarten/ PLCC for primary school)
DRE offers three teacher training programs: Jian Xue Summer School for Drama in Education, Trinity College Dublin Certified CPD with interactive workshops for early years and primary, and the DR Creative Curriculum, which enhances drama teaching in kindergartens and primary schools with detailed resources and training.
EAL Inclusive Teaching & Learning Workshops for Teachers
EAL Inclusive provides workshops and consultancy for teachers in multilingual classrooms, focusing on inclusive curriculum planning, effective strategies for multilingual learners, and boosting teacher confidence. They offer support in evaluating curriculum, developing departmental strategies, and ensuring equitable access.
Educator Coaching and Early Childhood Growth and Leadership Program
By combining strategic vision development with practical teacher and leadership training and coaching, Abby empowers early education providers to position their school and educational solution strongly in the market. She supports the enhancement of the whole teams’ abilities to drive both educational excellence in the classroom and impactful growth in enrolment.
Evidence Based Education - Great Teaching Toolkit
The Great Teaching Toolkit helps teachers improve classroom practice by setting goals, building understanding, developing skills through modeling and feedback, and embedding habits with cycles of practice and reflection. It offers courses, resources, and feedback tools based on international research evidence.
Global Equality Collective - Professional Learning
The Global Equality Collective (GEC) is a global community of 13,000+ inclusion advocates and 400+ DEI experts. They use cutting-edge technology and research to improve inclusion and well-being in education, aiming to transform ordinary classrooms into extraordinary, inclusive environments. The GEC Platform offers an affordable alternative to costly D&I consultancy fees.
Oxford Scholastica Academy – Online Courses
Join Oxford Scholastica’s online summer courses to master subjects like Medicine, Law, Business, and Engineering. Learn through live discussions, research, and debates, with expert tutors, many from Oxford. The courses, for ages 12-18, prepare you for university and your career, with flexible one- or two-week options. Our courses help students discover the possibilities that lie ahead.
Special Learning - Trainings, curriculum, materials and resources for educators
At Special Learning, we are passionate about changing the lives of people with Autism and other special needs. And we do it through our exceptional educational suite of solutions for ABA practitioners, educators and parents. You can use our leading-edge technology platforms to effectively receive educational products and services around the world without geographical limitations.
