Heritage Language Institute

Held June 22-26, 2002, UCLA

Variation in Neural Structure and Variation in Learning

John Schumann, UCLA

This paper addresses the issue of inter-individual differences in brains. Brains are as different as faces, and these differences have consequences for learning. The sources of variation across brains (mutation, gene shuffling, developmental selection, experiential selection) are outlined. Manifestation of these differences is examined (performance on IQ tests, the abilities of prodigies and savants, the architecture of Einstein's brain). Finally, the role of this variation for human evolution and its implications for education (particularly for education in heritage languages) is discussed.