The adage “Do as I say, not as I do” is as ineffective today as ever, and now we may be able to explain why. Research investigating specific brain structures called mirror neurons may provide insight into how we learn behaviors and skills.


What are Mirror Neurons?

Mirror neurons are specialized nerve cells that are active when an animal acts and when the animal observes the same or similar action performed by another.

These specialized brain pathways were discovered and first explored by Giacomo Rizzolatti and his team of neuroscientists at the University of Parma, Italy. Their findings, published in 1996, described the brain activity of macaque monkeys and the relationship to human behavior.

This early research found that brain activity associated with physically performing a specific task was the same when the subject observed another performing the task. Watching an activity and doing an activity are perceived identically in the brain. These pathways were active as new behaviors were learned through observation and mimicking, giving rise to the name mirror neuron.


What Does This Have to do with People?

The macaque monkey studies showed that mirror neurons provide an insight into the purpose and intent of behavior.

Observing an action activates the mirror neurons, generating a motor response in the brain. Your brain behaves as if you were doing the movement yourself, basing the response on your experience with that movement or similar ones.

Activation of this template helps you comprehend the goal of the observed action and why it might be occurring.

Human studies found mirror neurons more complex than those in the monkeys and in several regions of the brain. Besides being able to read intentions and anticipate future actions, Mirror Neurons Learning through Observation mirror neurons in humans prompt specific feelings. Viewing expressions of sadness, joy, or disgust activates areas of the brain responsible for those emotions.

This is particularly strong in the uniquely human region called the insula, which is responsible for the social emotions of disgust, embarrassment, guilt, lust, pride, and shame. Mirror neurons allow you to feel what another feels—to empathize—based on your observations.


How Does This Apply in the Classroom?

Why should teachers care about mirror neurons?

First, this new research highlights the importance of demonstration as a teaching method. Simply explaining or describing a skill is less effective than showing that skill. Next, students will have a stronger connection to movement skills (like massage) if they can observe the skill fully before they try to practice it. Adequate time for observation helps students place future skills and demonstrations into a defined context in their bodies and minds. The more they practice, the stronger their template and the more they will be able to integrate new skills merely by observing.

When your students observe a demonstration, they will anticipate your next move, evaluate your intentions, and mimic your actions. Consider your own intentions and expressions toward your client model as you demonstrate.

Are you attentive and caring or distracted? Is this showing in your facial expressions and body language? Mirror neurons allow observers to integrate cognitive, emotional, and kinesthetic information simultaneously.

Keep this in mind and evaluate your own feelings and intentions when you demonstrate skills for your students.

Evidence from mirror neuron studies suggests that the more familiar you are with the person you observe, the stronger the reaction of your mirror neurons.

For example, viewing a family member performing a task prompts a stronger response than viewing a stranger. Forging a strong connection with your students will physically make them better learners and you a stronger role model. You may reconsider bringing in that guest speaker, particularly when it comes to demonstrating skills.


Food for Thought

Research on mirror neurons is still in its infancy. Advances in brain mapping technology, biochemistry, and imaging add to our understanding of how we process and integrate new information and skills. Mirror neuron studies have psychological and social implications, and may apply to art, language development, and sport performance.

At a fundamental level, we know they affect how we relate to the world and our ability to learn. Understanding more about mirror neurons may make us more effective teachers and role models.