Abstract:

Neuroscience research studies the way human brain works. The field of educational neuroscience provides insights into the cognitive processes of the mind that can inform policies, organization, design, planning, implementation and evaluation of education. Are educators informed of the latest developments of neuroscience and their implication for teaching? Literature findings have demonstrated that the lack of awareness is just the tip of the iceberg. In fact, there is an enduring and alarming proliferation of false beliefs around the brain, called neuromyths. Evidently there is an acute training need for of teachers and trainers in all levels of education, especially higher education lecturers and professors. In the higher education sector of many countries research is a clear priority over teaching and learning. Career advancement of academic faculty depends primarily on research rigor and publication record rather than pedagogical acumen and teaching performance. This need for continuous professional development is to be addressed by the Erasmus Plus program Neuropedagogy involving partners from five European countries. The project will conduct studies in all participating countries on neuroscience applied to higher education and assemble them into a comprehensive study to identify training needs and directions for subsequent action. Next, it will facilitate the exchange of best practices to prepare itineraries with adequate training skills development required by higher education teachers. Finally, it will develop an innovative training methodology and online community of practice to train and enhance the didactic competences of higher education professionals.

Keywords:

Higher education, teaching, neuroscience, neuropedagogy, educational neuroscience, professional development, online learning.