Neuroscience powered teaching

           Everyone educates others, and quality educators incorporate brain-friendly practices to maximise learning and wellness. 

          Teachers are brain changers.   Dr Judy Willis (ca 2018), neurologist and teacher, states, 'The implicit goal of education is to change students' brains by improving both their knowledge base and their understanding of information acquired through the guidance of their educators.'

             Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to form new neural connections and change its structure and function based on experiences, learning, and development. It helps the brain adapt to changes, learn new information, and recover from injuries or trauma. Neuroplasticity has implications in neuroscience, education, psychology, and rehabilitation.

        The critical elements of learning design that educators use are pedagogy (the science and art of teaching), assessment (measuring what students have learned), curriculum (specifications of what to teach, often provided by a relevant authority), and resources. Figure 1 provides an overview of learning design for quality teachers who expertly use curriculum and assessment. Resources are selected based on pedagogical choices.

Embrace the Power of Neuroeducation!

       As you continue your journey into the fascinating world of neuroeducation, remember that you are entering a field with the potential to revolutionise how we understand and lead learning. By integrating neuroscience insights, you will better understand how the brain processes information, makes decisions and retains knowledge.

       This understanding will enhance your learning experiences and empower you to create more effective, inclusive, and engaging educational environments for others. The intersection of neuroscience and education is a dynamic and evolving frontier, offering endless opportunities to innovate and make meaningful contributions to the field.

       Stay curious, stay inspired, and let the science of the brain guide you toward becoming a leader in education. Your journey into neuroeducation is more than an academic pursuit - it's a chance to impact lives and shape the future of learning." 

Are you a Neuroplastician?

         Neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to change and adapt, has significant real-world implications for learning, memory, behaviour, and recovery from brain injuries. 

     Neuroplasticians, whether researchers, clinicians, or practitioners, apply this concept to enhance brain function. They work in fields like neuroscience, psychology, neurorehabilitation, and education, using cognitive training, brain stimulation, sensory stimulation, physical exercise, and rehabilitation exercises. They collaborate with other professionals to develop strategies that support brain health and maximise human potential, emphasising the importance of social connections, exercise, nutrition, and sleep for optimal brain function.  

Brief Bio

          Professor Ken Purnell, Head of Educational Neuroscience at CQUniversity Australia, has held significant roles over three decades, including Head of the School of Education and Associate Dean. Actively involved with the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority since 1992, he has contributed to numerous committees. He received the Outstanding Alumni Award from Western Michigan University in 2014 and holds a PhD in cognitive neuroscience from UNSW. Ken's work focuses on translating neuroscientific findings into flexible educational programs, impacting over 52,000 students globally through short courses on FutureLearn. He supervises four PhD candidates, with one recent graduate receiving multiple prestigious awards.

Two recent videos by Ken:

• How does our brain learn? by Professor Ken Purnell 12 Dec 2024, 19 minutes - https://www.loom.com/share/65d47b5b625644afafdab7036a220190

• Mental Models and Brain Health by Professor Ken Purnell 12 Dec 2024. 21 minutes - https://www.loom.com/share/a84418dc496147b2958bded373876d3b

Recent conference presentations by Ken

February 12, 2025

Lillehammer Lifelong Learning Virtual Conference 2025 – Norway: "Making micro-credentials work: How short learning formats can meet emerging skills needs”

815 participants from 80 countries

The program overview and recording is available at https://www.lillehammerlll.no/programme-2025/

I was one of six invited presenters. My presentation was entitled.

“Designing Brain-Friendly Micro-Credentials: Lessons from Practice”

Comments included:

·      It was a great event – compressed rather than drawn out. 

·      A chance to enact the modern university in the spirit of how it once was hundreds of years ago – a place to meet and share and translate knowledge as touched on in this coffee-length piece

January 22, 2025

CQU School of Trades staff (40)

“Classroom Management Session - Neuroscience-backed Strategies for VET Classroom Success”

January 4 to 7, 2025

2025 Hawaii International Conference on Education – USA with over 1100 participants from 47 countries

My three presentations were well attended, and the refereed papers are in press.

Purnell, K. (2025, 4-7. January). EVs and the Road Ahead: Teachers and Students Balancing Innovation and Reality. Proceedings of the Hawaii International Conference on Education, USA. http://hiceducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/EDU202.pdf

            Purnell, K. (2025, 4-7. January). Teaching and Learning by Using Our Three Brains: Head, Heart, and Gut. Proceedings of the Hawaii International Conference on Education, USA. http://hiceducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/EDU202.pdf

            Purnell, K. & Newman, J.  (2025, 4-7. January). Teachers as Architects of Brain Plasticity: Amplifying Your Neuroplastic Power. Proceedings of the Hawaii International Conference on Education, USA. http://hiceducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/EDU202.pdf

December 5, 2025

PD for the teaching staff (70) at St Brendon’s College, Yeppoon 

‘Brain-friendly teaching to maximise achievements and well-being”

The rehearsal recording may be viewed at https://www.loom.com/share/d35b3dd6f194459885855c65163c2c41?sid=33ea1e3b-6c72-4346-81da-0038b9a5fa93

Since late January, I have received twenty-two radio and newspaper media hits regarding neuroscience tips for returning students. I keep a complete list of these, which now number a few hundred in my 35 years at CQUniversity.