Journal of Online Learning Research and Practice
MBE Science created a strong research foundation for educators requiring a “ new approach to connecting research and education , with a two-way collaboration in which practitioners and researchers work together to formulate research questions and methods so that they can be connected to practice and policy ” ( Fischer , 2009 , p . 3 ). The field of MBE Science continues to build upon current and emerging research to support teaching , learning , and student success across all educational formats .
MBE is a transdisciplinary field that builds upon neuroscience , psychology , and education . According to Tokuhama-Espinosa ( 2011 ), “ MBE Science is concerned with studying how humans learn best in order to develop more effective teaching methods ” ( p . 14 ). Advancements in neuroscience research offer new insight about the brain and how individuals learn . For example , functional magnetic resonance imaging ( fMRI ) enables researchers to examine neuroplasticity and how the brain changes across lifespan ( Oberman & Pascual-Leone , 2015 ). Functional near infrared spectroscopy ( fNIR ) measurements can “ monitor cognitive tasks such as attention , working memory and problem solving ” ( Ayaz et al ., 2011 , p . 1 ). fNIR measurements may also provide new insight into the skill acquisition process relating to the quality and extent of practice of specific tasks providing biological evidence associated with learning ( Shewokis et al ., 2011 ). While cognitive and educational research inform MBE Science , current and emerging research within neuroscience provide educators with new evidenced-based strategies to support skill acquisition and transfer of learning ( Galoyan & Betts , 2021 ).
In 2006 , Tokuhama-Espinosa ( 2011 ) conducted an MBE international Delphi study . The study brought together a panel of 21 experts from seven countries across disciplines to determine what evidenced-based research from MBE should be integrated into classrooms . A decade later , Tokuhama-Espinosa ( 2017 ) conducted a second Delphi study with a panel of 41 experts from 11 countries across the Learning Sciences . Building upon Tokuhama-Espinosa ’ s original 2006 study , the results of the 2016 Delphi study included six principles , 21 tenets , and 10 instructional guidelines ( Tokuhama-Espinosa , 2017 ). MBE principles are considered universal . The six MBE principles included in Table 5 are foundational for teaching and learning across all learning formats .
The literature indicates that educators spend a limited amount of time learning about the human brain ( Tokuhama-Espinosa , 2011 ). However , knowledge about the human brain is foundational to teaching and learning . MBE Science provides a transformative shift in teaching techniques since it emphasizes “ how humans learn ( which is the focus of brain-based learning , educational neuroscience , educational psychology , cognitive neuropsychology , and neuroscience ) as well as how we teach ( pedagogy )” ( Tokuhama-Espinosa , 2011 , p . 17 ). A 2019 international study conducted by the Online
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