Abstract
The European recognized definition of neuro-pedagogy is an intertwining of the disciplines, science and education, with the aim of learning how to stimulate new zones of the brain and create connections. From neuroscience we know that a supportive learning environment reflects an internal brain state open and ready for learning.
Current neuroscience shows that the emotional centres of the brain are sophistically interconnected with the neocortical areas involved in cognitive learning. Simply put, the brain needs both sides for effective learning.
Therefore, increasingly does social and emotional learning (SEL) play an important role in improving child academic performance and lifelong learning. Pre-service teachers do not typically undertake a course in developing SEL aspects, as is the case with foreign students at our university (Charles university in Prague).
Therefore and to address the findings of neuro-pedagogy, I created the course for pre-service teachers- Lifology-an approach for the development of social, emotional and health skills in English. The course caters for right-brain involvement in learning and explores emotional aspects.
Students engage in roleplays, debates, storytelling, effective problem-solving activities, and learn from experience about managing their behaviour and emotions, having empathy for others, making responsible decisions, and developing healthy relationships. From the course evaluation it is obvious that our foreign students see this subject as an important part of their preparation for their future profession and that it facilitates integration into the group.
They also mention that they do not have any such a course in their countries as far as they are aware. Drawing mainly on the evaluations of the course, I suggest that integration of this type of subject should be fully considered for pre-service teachers' education in the future.