Neuroscience and education: We already reached the tipping point

Abstract

The aim of this contribution is to introduce the present Special Issue on Neuroscience and Education of the Revista de Psicología Educativa/Educational Psychology. After a brief introduction to current advances in general cognitive neuroscience that are being possible by means of brain imaging techniques available only during the most recent decades, we will discuss some aspects that have been contributing to hamper a true integration between both disciplines (neuroscience and education). The articles included in the present monograph provide empirical evidence that neuroscience has already reached a sufficient body of knowledge as to substantially improve education and political decisions in this respect. Neuroscience reveals that brain maturation extends at least until the second decade of life and that the exposition to different developmental experiences and opportunities is crucial along this extensive life period, so that none of its phases should be downplayed.