The mirror neuron system and observational learning: Implications for the effectiveness of dynamic visualizations

Tamara Van Gog*, Fred Paas, Nadine Marcus, Paul Ayres, John Sweller

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Learning by observing and imitating others has long been recognized as constituting a powerful learning strategy for humans. Recent findings from neuroscience research, more specifically on the mirror neuron system, begin to provide insight into the neural bases of learning by observation and imitation. These findings are discussed here, along with their potential consequences for the design of instruction, focusing in particular on the effectiveness of dynamic vs. static visualizations.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)21-30
Number of pages10
JournalEducational Psychology Review
Volume21
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Mar 2009
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Cognitive load
  • Mirror neuron system
  • Observational learning

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