What is Neuroplasticity?

This 2 minute video does an excellent job at explaining what we currently know about the brain. It demonstrates the two most important factors of long-term learning: TIME and PRACTICE!

For me, there are two primary take-aways:

1. GRACE FOR OURSELVES AND OTHERS: Like any muscle in the body, it takes time for our minds to connect new neuro-pathways. So when we meet any content that gives us pause, makes us struggle, or might even seem overwhelming, then we need to remember to give ourselves GRACE. Our brains are constantly doing what they can to learn new things, but they need time and practice to develop the physical pathways needed to establish new knowledge and skills. You and your learners might not get it on the first shot, and that's ok- it's just the way our brains work.

2. INFORMED INSTRUCTIONAL PACING GUIDES: Knowing that your learners need TIME to PHYSICALLY develop functional neuro-pathways means our training practices MUST reflect this understanding. If you are working with a new a group of new learners with new content that is completely foreign to them, then PLAN for the time and practice it will take for that knew knowledge set to take root. If you are working with learners on content with which they are already familiar, then it is more likely you won't need as much time with them since they will already have established neuro-pathways upon which you can build new knowledge.