Neurofeedback: Potential Applications in School Settings
Neurofeedback: Potential Applications in School Settings
Loading...
Issue Date
2024-05-24
Authors
Baljak, Daniel
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Neurofeedback is a brain training process that has been found to promote improved cognition and emotional regulation. Utilizing electroencephalogram (EEG) technology, neurofeedback primarily relies on operant conditioning to have the brain regulate its own electrical brain wave activity to achieve optimal functioning. Neurofeedback has been explored in scientific research to improve people’s wellness, specifically people with neurodiverse qualities and symptomology related to diagnosed mental health conditions. As a treatment or support option, neurofeedback may be of interest to school counsellors, other school personnel, and educational stakeholders who have a responsibility to support the healthy development of students and provide resources to their families. The literature reviewed for this Capstone gives the reader a basic understanding of neurofeedback, a general sense of how practitioners might apply this technology, and a specific look at its efficacy in relation to two prevalent diagnoses found among students in British Columbian schools: Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Schools in the district where I teach (Surrey, British Columbia) are under unprecedented pressure within a challenging socio-economic climate and an overburdened community support network that limits the capacity of parents to access services. Alongside a discussion of the student challenges I have seen as a special education teacher, and after a review of the scientific literature pertaining to neurofeedback and neurodiversity, I conclude this Capstone by focusing attention on how school district employees can engage in their own research or pilot projects by outlining my own efforts to build a construct for how I would develop a research plan regarding the use of neurofeedback in schools.
Description
Keywords
neurofeedback , Autism Spectrum Disorder , Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder , school counselling
License
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States , openAccess