Brain Development, Learning and Implications

Today I had the great pleasure in hearing Nathan Mikaere-Wallis share his knowledge, insight and wisdom with the Christchurch Junior School Leaders. Nathan was part of the Brainwave Trust, and is part of X Factor Education, Christchurch. He has been a lecturer at Christchurch College of Education, lecturing in human development, brain development, language and communication and risk and resilience. Nathan has a background of working with children in counselling settings relating to domestic violence, sexual abuse and childhood trauma.

There were a number of core messages in his presentation.

• Brian research is relatively new. In the 1990s there was more research than in the previous 300 years.
• Teenage brain research is 8 years old.
• Healing brain research is 3 years old.
• The frontal cortex isn't fully developed until an average of 26 - 27 years.
• First 1000 days of a human's life is pivotal to brain development.
• Historically we believed that brain development and potential was mainly due to genetics. We now know that brain can be moulded by the environment.
• What is happening at this time influences the brain stem development and frontal cortex potential.
• Other factors have an impact; gender, place in family, temperament, parent's education, poverty, extended family.
• There is an impact of the ability to learn cognitively in the future.
• Di-ad relationship in early years effects brain development.
• Relationships are the most important aspect of learning.

What can we do for children whose learning potential has been impacted?

• Ensure they have a strong relationship with a key person - this challenges the idea of a transition class.
• Extend the duration of this relationship - can they have this teacher for a longer period of time?
• Predictability in the classroom.
• Consider starting school closer to 6.
• Personalise transition to school practices.
• Reduce focus on cognitive learning and national standards in early years.
• Focus on learning dispositions (Te Whariki).
• Consider practices of mindfulness.

To hear more from Nathan you can listen or download a podcast from National Radio. You can also follow him on Facebook.