Studies show that children’s brains respond more effectively to new learning experiences

BY KAHA GEDI

Have you ever noticed and wondered why children are faster learners than adults? We’ve all heard the saying that children are like ‘sponges” because they soak up so much information so quickly, but what exactly is the science behind all this?

Children are known for learning rapidly, whether it’s walking, talking, or picking up new skills. This ability to learn so fast, especially when they are young, is due to something called neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to change and form new connections based on experiences. When children are young, especially before the age of five, their brains are highly flexible and can absorb new information quickly. This is why babies and toddlers often pick up new skills or languages faster than adults.

One big reason children learn so fast is because they have more cognitive flexibility. This means they can easily switch between ideas, or concepts and handle different things at once. Their brains are constantly adapting to their environment, and they learn new things as they grow up.

“Kids Are Like Sponges When It Comes to Information, but What Exactly Is the Science Behind It?”

Particularly, how children learn languages shows the biggest difference between children and adults. Babies are born with the ability to understand and hear all the sounds from every language in the world. As they grow, they start to focus on the languages spoken around them, making it easier for them to become fluent speakers by the time they’re about four years old. If they aren’t exposed to certain sounds, or languages before puberty, it becomes much harder to learn them. This is why it’s so important to teach your children your mother tongue while they are young and very much like sponges, so it’s easier for them to learn and speak it when they’re older.

However, it’s not just language. Studies show that children’s brains respond more effectively to new learning experiences. For example, a study showed that when children undergo visual training, a neurotransmitter called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) helps them stabilize or “lock in” what they learned, allowing them to remember it better. Adults, on the other hand, don’t experience the same significant rapid boost of learning, and the GABA released in their brain remains unchanged. This unfortunately makes learning a bit more difficult.

However, even though children have this natural advantage, they still need support. They thrive when surrounded by caring adults who guide them and provide the right tools they need to succeed. Experiences early on, like reading to a baby, or engaging in active learning, can help children build a strong foundation for future learning.

Children’s brains are built to learn fast during their early years, thanks to neuroplasticity and cognitive flexibility. Nevertheless, it is evident that this learning process is most effective when children have the right: support, encouragement, and experiences in a positive environment.