BRAIN DEVELOPMENT AND LEARNING ACROSS THE LIFESPAN

Abstract

Developmental psychology and neuroscience have fundamentally enhanced our understanding about learning by revealing its biological foundations for brain development. As far as learning is considered, it is a psychological process which enables an individual to grasp knowledge, behaviour, and skills necessary for adaptation and survival. The brain continues to develop structurally and functionally throughout the entire life cycle of an individual. It begins prenatally and extends into late adulthood, helping to shape genetic factors as well as social and environmental factors, such as mental health, socioeconomic interaction, nutrition, and stress. Brain development varies with age, with adult size reached by puberty and peak maturation and efficiency occurring during adulthood. There are many factors such as environmental, socialand emotional factors that have a positive impact on brain development. Aging is considered a major factor in brain development and functioning, with peak physiological activity occurring in young age groups.