The function of mirror neurons in the learning process

Abstract

In the last years, Neurosciences have developed very much, being elaborated many important theories scientific research in the field. The main goal of neuroscience is to understand how groups of neurons interact to create the behavior. Neuroscientists studying the action of molecules, genes and cells. It also explores the complex interactions involved in motion perception, thoughts, emotions and learning. Brick fundamental nervous system is the nerve cell, neuron. Neurons exchange information by sending electrical signals and chemical through connections called synapses. Discovered by a group of Italian researchers from the University of Parma, neurons-mirror are a special class of nerve cells played an important role in the direct knowledge, automatic and unconscious environment. These cortical neurons are activated not only when an action is fulfilled, but when we see how the same action is performed by someone else, they represent neural mechanism by which the actions, intentions and emotions of others can be understood automatically. In childhood neurons-mirror are extremely important. Thanks to them we learned a lot in the early years: smile, to ask for help and, in fact, all the behaviors and family and group norms. People learn by what they see and sense the others. Neurons-mirror are important to understanding the actions and intentions of other people and learn new skills through mirror image. They are involved in planning and controlling actions, abstract thinking and memory. If a child observes an action, neurons-mirror is activated and forming new neural pathways as if even he takes that action. Efficient activity of mirror neurons leads to good development in all areas at a higher emotional intelligence and the ability to empathize with others.

Roles of Mirror Neurons on Physical, Social, and Cognitive Functions: Narrative Review

“…Bu, başkalarının gördüklerini ve hissettiklerini görerek ve hissederek öğrenmenin bir yoludur. 26 Bu çocukluk döneminde eğitim süreci, öğretmen-öğrenci arasındaki ve öğrenci-öğrenci arasındaki ilişki gibi her zaman kişiler arası ilişkileri içerdiğinden, bu süreçte ayna nöronlar önemli bir rol oynamaktadır. Ayna nöronların çalışma şekli ve etki alanları, çocukların öğrenme ortamının ve okuldaki kişiler arası iletişimin geliştirilmesine katkıda bulunmaktadır.…”

“…27 Yeni becerileri kavramada taklit etme söz konusu olduğunda ayna nöronlar ön plana çıkmaktadır. 26 En yaygın kullanılan öğrenme biçimlerinden olan taklit, birçok becerinin deneme yanılma yoluyla öğrenmenin zaman alıcı süreci olmadan edinilmesini sağlamaktadır. Taklit, aynı zamanda yüz ve diğer vücut hareketlerini okumak ve diğer insanların amaçlarını, niyetlerini ve arzularını anlamak gibi temel sosyal becerilerin geliştirilmesinde de temel yapı taşıdır.…”

Could Western Attitudes towards Edible Insects Possibly be Influenced by Idioms Containing Unfavourable References to Insects, Spiders and other Invertebrates?

“…What seemed pertinent in connection with this question is the recent realization of so-called mirror neurons in the human brain, discovered by Rizzolatti and Sinigaglia [20]. Such neurons are implicated in the ability of an individual to understand another individual's emotion and to empathize by activating neuronal circuits, as when the receiving individual experienced the other person's emotion herself or himself directly [21]. Originally seen in connection with visual or odoriferous stimulation, mirror neurons are now also thought to play a role in adopting emotions that are expressed figuratively, i.e., in idioms, as mirror neurons are located near the Broca area of speech development in the human brain and thereby can facilitate the learning process as well as verbal communication [21].…”

“…Such neurons are implicated in the ability of an individual to understand another individual's emotion and to empathize by activating neuronal circuits, as when the receiving individual experienced the other person's emotion herself or himself directly [21]. Originally seen in connection with visual or odoriferous stimulation, mirror neurons are now also thought to play a role in adopting emotions that are expressed figuratively, i.e., in idioms, as mirror neurons are located near the Broca area of speech development in the human brain and thereby can facilitate the learning process as well as verbal communication [21]. The emotional state of the 'receiver individual' according to Bastiaansen et al [13] comes to resemble that of the 'sending individual', especially if a facial expression of disgust [22] accompanies the utterance of a particular idiom.…”

EEG study of virtual learning demonstrates worsened learning outcomes and increased mirror neuron activation

“…In the last few decades, studies showed that humans have a mirror neuron system similar to monkeys which are triggered during both action and observation (1,6). Mirror neurons are an integral part of child development because many behaviors and habits are processed, developed, and coded through mirror neuron activation (6). For example, when someone smiles at a baby, the baby will often smile back due to activation of mirror neurons (1).…”