Directed Neuroplasticity
Educators are experimenting. Seventh graders taught principles of neuroplasticity performed better on achievement tests than their peers.[i] Just knowing that your brain can change can be empowering.[ii] Students found the revelations liberating and believed they could get smarter through study and practice.
Norman Doidge, author of The Brain That Changes Itself, says, "Everything to do with human training and education has to be re-examined in light of neuroplasticity."[iii]
Richard Davidson pioneered another more direct experiment. He developed a "Kindness Curriculum" (KC) for preschoolers and kindergarteners that included age-appropriate mindfulness and loving-kindness meditation.
Children were given stickers and two envelopes: one for themselves and one with a picture of a sick child. They were told they could keep as many stickers as they wanted or they could also give some to the sick child. Over the course of the year, children in the KC group maintained initial levels of giving, while the control group became more selfish.[iv]
In addition, compared to controls, the KC group developed significant gains in self-control, as measured by delayed gratification. Based on reports from teachers, they also ranked higher in learning, health, and social/emotional capacity compared to their peers. But more significantly, they also displayed more pro-social behavior and altruism. In summary, much can be done to direct our brain to rewire itself. Davidson's book, The Emotional Life of Your Brain, is an excellent source for methods to induce directed neuroplasticity. He explains development of emotional styles as well as the acquired skill of happiness. It's a highly recommended read.
[i] Richard E. Nesbitt, "Education Is All in Your Mind," New York Times, February 7, 2009, accessed November 26, 2018, https://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/08/opinion.08misbett.html
[ii] Donna Wilson, "Engaging Brains: How to Enhance Learning by Teaching Kids About Neuroplasticity," Edutopia, February 11, 2014, Accessed December 11, 2017, https://Edutopia.org/blog/neuroplasticity-engage-brains-enhance-learning-donna-wilson.
[iii] Peter Barnes, "What Is Neuroplasticity & How Does It Impact Education." The Learning Success Blog, September 5, 2016, accessed December 11, 2017, blog.learnfasthq.com/what-is-neuroplasticity-&-how-does-it-impact-education-infographic.
[iv] Lisa Flook and Laura Pinger, "Lessons from Creating a Kindness Curriculum," Center for Healthy Minds, Undated, accessed September 19,2020, https://centerhelathyminds.org/join-the-movement/lessons-from-creating-a-kindness-curriculum