Brain-based education can be defined as the engagement of strategies based on principles derived from an understanding of the human brain and how it works. There are significant empirical and experiential
pieces of evidence that confirm the validity of brain-based education. One of these is neurogenesis (the production of new neurons in the brain), which is believed to have a great impact on learning.

The current model for brain-based education is highly interdisciplinary. The relationship between brain systems and complex cognition and behavior can be explained by a comprehensive blend of theories and facts related to all levels or organization of the nervous system.

Today, many educators are looking into the brain for answers. Stress, exercise, nutrition and social conditions are relevant brain-based issues that affect cognition, attention, discipline, attendance and
memory.

The following are some powerful brain-based connections to the practice of education:

• The human brain is capable of regeneration. It can grow new neurons. Neurons are highly correlated with memory, mood and learning. Exercise, low stress level and good nutrition enhance the regeneration process.
• Social conditions influence the brain. This implies that the environment should be actively managed because it affects students more than what is commonly thought of.
• The brain has the ability to “rewire” and “remap” itself through the process of neuroplasticity. Schools can
• influence this process through skill building, reading, meditation, the arts, career and technical education, and
• thinking skills.
• Chronic stress is a very important issue in schools for both teachers and students. It affects attendance, memory, social skills and cognition.
• The traditional view is that either the environment or the gene decides the performance of students. Now, there is
• a third option called gene expression. It is the capacity of the genes to respond to chronic or acute environmental
• input.
• Nutrition affects cognition, memory, attention, stress and intelligence.
• Exercise is strongly correlated with increased brain mass, better cognition, mood regulation and the production of
• new cells.
• Aggressive behavior therapies, new drugs and stem cell implantation can be used to influence, regulate and
• repair brain-based disorders.
• The environment can alter the brain. A body of evidence shows that the brain is altered by everyday experiences
• such as learning to read, learning new words, studying for tests and learning to play musical instruments.

Brain-based education implies that educators must use pieces of evidence from all disciplines to enhance the brain
of the students. The brain is involved in everything that happens in school and educators should take this into account in every decision they make. Brain-based tools are needed and should be used now.