Over the past month, I have been so impressed with how the children have advanced in their learning processes in the acquisition of knowledge and skills. Children who did not have English knowledge and/or had never played a musical instrument or applied curricular concepts (such as multiplication tables, the periodic table etc.), after just a few months they were able to memorise multiple curricular data, acquire greater english language fluency and discover their inner musical talent. It is true, the brain is a dynamic organ that is in constant development; this is especially true for children, as children have twice as many synapses as adolescents or adults. However, the latest data from neuroscience also confirms that the brain is always capable of developing, even in old age (Pagan, 2019). What is presently clear, is that new experiences create new neural circuits. The greater number of stimuli in our environment, the more brain connections will be formed; thus increasing our capabilities (Jauset, 2009). I disagree with some “unschooler” families, who choose to allow the child to "naturally" develop educationally, without guidance. Additionally, studies have not reflected impoverished regions in the world that do not have egalitarian access to education. Perhaps, these children will be very prepared to survive in natural environments, but they may be cognitively malnourished and ill equipped to live in our present world.
I am impressed to read about the myriad of studies that suggest music stimulates and improves results in the areas of language and mathematics (Jauset, 2009) (Rosenkranz, 2007). Musical learning involves many parts of the cerebral cortex, which is why musicians, according to certain researchers, have greater synaptic plasticity than non-musicians (Spychiger, 1994). This same principle can be applied to other disciplines absent from many traditional schools: sports, art, and theater in example. Learning to perform any new activity regardless of age, generates new neuron connections brain function as a whole. It is essential to set new challenges and goals by overcoming oneself day by day, open to learning and new experiences but to ensure successful development in all areas. This ultimately prepares us for life and learning for the present and future.
Bibliography
Jauset, J. (2009). Música y neurociencia: la musicoterapia. Barcelona: UOC.
Pagan. (2019). La jornada de Oriente. Obtenido de http://www.lajornadadeoriente.com.mx/2006/09/28/puebla/c3pag11.php
Rosenkranz. (2007). Motocortical excitability and synaptic plasticity is enhanced in profesional musicians. Journal of Neuroscience, 5200-5206.
Spychiger. (1994). Music and cognitive achievement in children. Music Research Notes.
