How Understanding the Brain of a Gifted Child can Help us Unlock Giftedness

This session explores the integration of neuroscience, specifically neuroplasticity, into educational practices to enhance teaching strategies for gifted students. With ongoing advancements in brain scan technology, research reveals how neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to rewire and adapt—shapes learning and memory. Educators can leverage six principles from Mind, Brain, and Education Science (Tokuhama-Espinosa, 2018) to better understand student learning processes. Key concepts such as growth mindset, deliberate practice, and the cultivation of social-emotional imagination are discussed. Practical applications for the classroom will demonstrate how to empower students with an understanding of their brain, foster creativity, and academic growth in gifted learners.