Humanity's greatest feat is our incredible ability to learn. Even in their first year, infants acquire language, visual and social knowledge at a rate that surpasses the best supercomputers. But how, exactly, do our brains learn?In How We Learn, leading neuroscientist Stanislas Dehaene delves into the psychological, neuronal, synaptic and molecular mechanisms of learning. Drawing on case studies of children who learned despite huge difficulty and trauma, he explains why youth is such a sensitive period, during which brain plasticity is maximal, but also assures us that our abilities continue into adulthood. We can all enhance our learning and memory at any age and 'learn to learn' by taking maximal advantage of the four pillars of the brain's learning algorithm: attention, active engagement, error feedback and consolidation.The human brain is an extraordinary machine. Its ability to process information and adapt to circumstances by reprogramming itself is...
This book is for educators, parents, and anyone interested in understanding the science behind learning. It provides insights into how the brain learns and offers practical strategies for improving learning outcomes at any age. It is also relevant for those in artificial intelligence seeking to create more efficient learning algorithms.
The book addresses the historical debate of nature versus nurture, drawing parallels between computer science and neuroscience to understand how learning occurs. It challenges traditional empiricist views, highlighting the brain's innate capabilities and the importance of structured learning algorithms. It also reflects on the evolution of pedagogy and the role of education in maximizing brain potential.
