Research

Latest Publications

Showing 7 results
Trends in Neurosciences • 2024

The connecting brain in context: How adolescent plasticity supports learning and development

Adolescence is a critical period of brain development characterized by extensive structural and functional reorganization. During this time, the brain undergoes significant changes in connectivity, plasticity, and cognitive function, which together support the development of complex cognitive abilities, social cognition, and emotional regulation. This paper reviews the key features of adolescent brain development, including synaptic pruning, myelination, and the maturation of the prefrontal cortex, and discusses how these changes influence learning and behavior. We also explore the role of environmental factors, such as education, social interaction, and stress, in shaping adolescent brain development and highlight the importance of understanding these processes for optimizing learning and promoting healthy development during this critical life stage.

NeuroplasticityDevelopment
Behavioral Sciences (MDPI) • 2025

Working Memory and Instructional Fit: Reintroducing Aptitude–Treatment Interaction in Education Research

Working memory (WM) is a cognitive system with limited capacity that enables individuals to focus on goal-relevant information while filtering distractions and integrating new knowledge. Differences in WM capacity influence how students engage with instructional materials, shaping the effectiveness of educational interventions. This raises the following question: which instructional methods work best, for whom, and under what conditions? The aptitude–treatment interaction (ATI) framework addresses this by examining how learning outcomes are influenced by the alignment between cognitive abilities, such as WM, and instructional strategies. This paper reviews WM’s role in learning and academic achievement, explores ATI’s relevance in contemporary education research, and highlights how this framework can guide the development of adaptive instructional strategies that support diverse learners.

Working MemoryAdaptive Learning