educational topic

The Science of Learning: How the Brain Acquires and Retains Knowledge

Education is a complex, dynamic process rooted in the intricate workings of the human brain. At its core, learning involves the encoding, storage, and retrieval of information, guided by neural plasticity—the brain’s remarkable ability to reorganize and form new connections throughout life. When exposed to new material, neurons communicate via electrical and chemical signals, strengthening or weakening their synaptic links in response to stimuli. This phenomenon, known as long-term potentiation (LTP), underpins memory formation and is most pronounced when engagement is active, multisensory, and spaced over time rather than crammed in a single sitting.

Modern neuroscience also illuminates the critical role of motivation and emotion in the educational process. The limbic system, particularly structures like the hippocampus and amygdala, helps encode emotionally charged memories more deeply than neutral ones. This means students are more likely to retain information that feels personally relevant or sparks curiosity. Moreover, neurotransmitters such as dopamine fuel motivation and reward-driven learning, which is why praise, goal-setting, and meaningful feedback can significantly enhance educational outcomes. These insights guide educators to create lessons that evoke interest, foster a safe emotional climate, and offer opportunities for success.

Finally, effective learning is shaped not only by neural mechanisms but also by environmental, social, and pedagogical factors. Collaborative learning, for example, leverages the social brain by inviting cooperative problem-solving and peer teaching, which both reinforce and expand understanding. Additionally, educational strategies like scaffolding—where prior knowledge is activated and new concepts are introduced stepwise—align with how the brain builds complex schemas from simpler building blocks. In sum, blending scientific insights about cognition, motivation, and environmental supports paves the way for teaching strategies that optimize brain-based learning, empower students, and cultivate life-long curiosity. 

PhDr. Pavel Bartoš, LL.M., DBA (Evropská akademie vzdělávání / European Academy of education)