How Education Impacts Cognitive Development

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Executive functions are defined as “higher-level cognitive processes of planning, decision making, problem-solving, action sequencing, task assignment, and goal pursuits” (APA dictionary). Many educational institutions' hidden curriculums consist of many executive functions that enable students to work on planning, working memory, cognitive flexibility, and inhibitory control. A study conducted by Shanmugan et al. (2016) demonstrated that education, especially secondary education, significantly improved executive functions as they are closely related to academic skill and performance. 

Mathematics is one of the core courses that students are likely to take for the majority of their primary and secondary school years. A study conducted by Zacharopoulos et al. (2019) has shown that when comparing students who received and did not receive mathematical education, the students who received mathematical education have exhibited increased brain activity levels in key brain areas, like frontoparietal areas, that are involved in reasoning and cognitive learning. These areas are also associated with problem-solving and logical reasoning skills, which are very important for cognitive development. 

Language is one of the most important cognitive skills that people need in order to live. Brain areas, like Wernicke’s area, Broca’s area, and Angular gyrus, are involved in language development, processing, and speech production. A study by Paran (2012) showed that even a slight improvement in language skills teaching could effectively improve skills for writing, extensive reading, and decoding. This shows how significant an impact that language has even though many go into education after their critical period and primary development of language. 

Education provides an environment where students explore and understand complex moral dilemmas. Through various subjects like literature, history, and social sciences, students are constantly faced with examples of moral decision-making. Also, classroom discussions and debates encourage students to think from different perspectives and weigh the pros and cons of each choice they have. A study conducted by O’Flaherty et al. (2014) looked into how education can encourage students to serve the public interest, become active citizens, and develop social capital. These are all important aspects of having strong moral values and reasoning skills. By fostering an environment where moral questions are explored and respected, education helps individuals develop a strong moral compass that influences their behavior and decisions throughout their lives.