Royal Society calls teachers to have basic grasp of neurology

February 24 2011

The basics of neurology should be a key part of teacher training, the Royal Society has argued.

Just days after it called on the government to take action to ensure that more pupils take biology, chemistry and physics past the age of 16, the esteemed scientific body has argued that a basic understanding of how the brain processes information would help teachers do their jobs well.

In particular, the society's scientists have argued that special needs teachers should have a good understanding of the science behind dyslexia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

"Education is concerned with enhancing learning and neuroscience is concerned with understanding the mechanisms of learning," explained Professor Uta Frith.

"It seems only logical that the one should inform the other."

The publication of the new report comes as the International Science Festival opens in Edinburgh.

Posted by Andrew Jones

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