European linguist and Harvard professor Bruno della Chiesa has dedicated the last 15 years to understanding how the brain learns, especially new languages. But it wasn't until his daughter began studying International Baccalaureate programs in the UK and he was invited to talk at the 2013 IBAEM Regional Conference that he really understood the great affinity that neuroscience has with the IB's commitments. He believes that the IB philosophy and neuroscience intersect in four key ways noted below. (This article is from the latest edition of "IB World," a magazine published by the International Baccalaureate organization.)
All three divisions of Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy are authorized as International Baccalaureate World Schools.
1. Learning other languages
Because learning a language is a uniquely human ability, language acquisition is an important topic in neuroscience, and one that the IB puts at the heart of its curricula.
"I admire the IB because educating children in multiple languages should be a priority," della Chiesa said. "Learning a second language is of tremendous importance, as it changes the way the individual perceives and analyzes the world. It unlocks an individual's ability to develop cultural (and therefore, self) awareness."
2. Lifelong learning
Bruno della Chiesa is a European linguist teaching at Harvard University. He is considered one of the main founders of educational neuroscience.
"Of course, you do not learn the same way if you are 50 or 60, or if you are five or six, but the structure of the IB's PYP, MYP and the Diploma Programme to make the most of those lifelong learning attributes."
3. Global awareness
Spread across 146 countries, with more than one million students, the true international-mindedness of the IB is recognized at every stage of study. Every day children from different nationalities are coming together to share knowledge.
"It seems to me that in today's world, developing such a global awareness is more important than ever," della Chiesa said. "And what we understand about neuroscience and language learning is at the heart of developing that global awareness."
"The IB provides a space for students to get acquainted with other cultures and develop a multicultural awareness, which some might not have the benefit of at home," he said.
4. Using the fabulous potential of the human brain
"This is where a humanistic education, based among other elements on strong and diverse language learning, is linked to what neuroscience tells us about our brains," della Chiesa said.
The IB is learning to adapt to developments in science and technology by reviewing its programs annually and embracing technological advances in the classroom.
della Chiesa also said that the more teachers know about the "learning brain," the deeper they will be able "to reflect on the complexity of learning processes, which will help them to better understand their students' learning."
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About Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy
Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy is a private, Catholic, independent, coeducational day school located in Oakland County. The school's upper division enrolls students in grades nine through twelve and has been named one of the nation's best 50 Catholic high schools (Acton Institute) four times since 2005. Notre Dame's middle and lower divisions enroll students in jr. kindergarten through grade eight. All three divisions are International Baccalaureate "World Schools." NDPMA is conducted by the Marist Fathers and Brothers and is accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States and the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement. For more on Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy, visit the school's home page at www.ndpma.org.