The developing social brain: implications for education

Sarah-Jayne Blakemore

doi:10.1016/j.neuron.2010.03.004

The developing social brain: implications for education

Neuron. 2010 Mar 25;65(6):744-7. doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2010.03.004.

Author

Sarah-Jayne Blakemore¹

Affiliation

¹ Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, 17 Queen Square, London WC1N 3AR, UK. s.blakemore@ucl.ac.uk

Abstract

This paper discusses the development of the human social brain. First, I will argue that social cognition is uniquely important and describe evidence that social interaction plays a critical role in early brain development. I will then discuss recent research demonstrating that the social brain undergoes protracted development and that adolescence in particular represents a period of reorganization of the social brain. Finally, I will attempt to draw out potential implications of this new research for education policy and for human wellbeing.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Age Factors
Animals
Brain / growth & development*
Education* / methods
Humans
Interpersonal Relations*
Social Behavior*
Students / psychology