Sample Solution

The article “Brain Development and the Role of Education in Fostering Literacy” (Zelazo, 2016) explores research into brain development and its relationship to learning and literacy. The author cites multiple scientific studies that have demonstrated how brain functions are affected by various factors such as experience, environment and maturation. For example, the prefrontal cortex is an important region of the brain that is responsible for complex cognitive tasks such as problem-solving, decision-making, planning and attention control. This area develops rapidly during childhood but continues to develop even into adulthood due to experiences we encounter throughout our lifetime. As such, education plays a vital role in developing this part of our brains which can lead to enhanced learning abilities. Zelazo also discusses how reading can affect language acquisition through its ability to deepen understanding of concepts while building vocabulary comprehension skills.

The findings from this article fit well with what I know about brain functions in the process of learning as they emphasize how experience shapes our cognitive processes throughout our lifetime. Furthermore, it provides insight into ways that educators can foster literacy development within their classrooms through activities that encourage active engagement with text material both inside and outside the classroom setting such as reading aloud or having students participate in book clubs (Zelazo 2016). Overall this article has provided several key takeaways that teachers should consider when designing instruction plans geared towards promoting student success; namely focusing on activities designed around engaging students with material rather than memorizing facts or information which may not spark long term interest or improvement in learning outcomes.