Solving the Frankenstein Problem: Why all Learning is Social, Emotional, Cultural and Cognitive to the Brain

Emotions and social relationships shape our thoughts, actions, and experiences—how we think and who we become—not just personally, but academically. How and why is this the case? And what does this mean for teachers and the design of educational environments and activities? Mary Helen Immordino-Yang will present her research on emotional engagement in the brain, showing how deep learning happens and highlighting the interdependencies of thoughts and feelings as students learn. Her studies reveal how effective schooling is not simply about what students know and can do, but about how students learn to learn, and about how they experience the learning process. The findings underscore the necessity of supporting students’ humanity—their character, citizenship, belonging and purpose—to optimally support their academic growth.