Social Brain Goes to School

Social Brain Goes to School: How Relationships Power Learning

Throughout history, humans have recognized the importance of social connections for our survival and overall well-being. Isolation is not in our nature; we thrive when we are connected to others. Meaningful interactions with effective communication occur when we can understand and relate to one another. In the context of education, schools serve as vibrant communities where learners engage with teachers, peers, and the content itself to create meaning. It is crucial for each student to experience a sense of belonging, safety, and well-being, which can be achieved through the development of trusting relationships. Neuro- scientist Melina Uncapher emphasizes that relationships are our natural habitat, and our innate drive to belong to a community is a fun- damental human motivation. 1 In their school lives, students require connection with caring people who provide a sense of security, prior- itize their learning, and show genuine interest in getting to know who they authentically are. This creates connection and a desire to con- tribute to their learning community. The human brain has evolved to place great value on nurturing social relationships. Strong bonds with family and friends have been shown to significantly impact our happiness

and overall health. These close connections serve as invaluable platforms where we can share our thoughts and ideas, finding comfort in expressing ourselves and interacting with others.

The Evolution of Our Human Social Brain

The brain is a social organ, shaped and co-cre- ated by our relationships 2 . Human brains are neurologically wired to be social and are driven to communicate with others. We thrive in complicated social environments, constantly interacting, connecting, and building fulfilling relationships. Our brains have evolved over millions of years to adapt to this social world we live in. Our Social Brain, a remarkable network of neural processes and structures, allows us to navigate complex social interac- tions, understand the emotions and inten- tions of others, and form meaningful connec- tions. 3 The Social Brain is a superpower that sets humans apart from other species. 4 But here’s the incredible part: our brains have grown and changed over time to meet the demands of today’s social interactions. 5 As the complexity of our social lives increased, our social brains responded by expanding in