Learning is enhanced by tailoring instruction to individual genetic differences
It is widely argued that personalized instruction based on individual differences in learning styles or genetic predispositions could improve learning outcomes. However, this proposition has resisted clear demonstration in human studies, where it is difficult to control experience and quantify outco...
| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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eLife Sciences Publications Ltd
2019-09-01
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| Series: | eLife |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://elifesciences.org/articles/47216 |
| _version_ | 1811181097242853376 |
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| author | David G Mets Michael S Brainard |
| author_facet | David G Mets Michael S Brainard |
| author_sort | David G Mets |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | It is widely argued that personalized instruction based on individual differences in learning styles or genetic predispositions could improve learning outcomes. However, this proposition has resisted clear demonstration in human studies, where it is difficult to control experience and quantify outcomes. Here, we take advantage of the tractable nature of vocal learning in songbirds (Lonchura striata domestica) to test the idea that matching instruction to individual genetic predispositions can enhance learning. We use both cross-fostering and computerized instruction with synthetic songs to demonstrate that matching the tutor song to individual predispositions can improve learning across genetic backgrounds. Moreover, we find that optimizing instruction in this fashion can equalize learning differences across individuals that might otherwise be construed as genetically determined. Our results demonstrate potent, synergistic interactions between experience and genetics in shaping song, and indicate the likely importance of such interactions for other complex learned behaviors. |
| first_indexed | 2024-04-11T09:14:01Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-7bf71345d9894ed3beb716b5d0d0ea75 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2050-084X |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-04-11T09:14:01Z |
| publishDate | 2019-09-01 |
| publisher | eLife Sciences Publications Ltd |
| record_format | Article |
| series | eLife |
| spelling | doaj.art-7bf71345d9894ed3beb716b5d0d0ea752022-12-22T04:32:25ZengeLife Sciences Publications LtdeLife2050-084X2019-09-01810.7554/eLife.47216Learning is enhanced by tailoring instruction to individual genetic differencesDavid G Mets0https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0803-0912Michael S Brainard1https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9425-9907Center for Integrative Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United StatesCenter for Integrative Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States; Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States; Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United StatesIt is widely argued that personalized instruction based on individual differences in learning styles or genetic predispositions could improve learning outcomes. However, this proposition has resisted clear demonstration in human studies, where it is difficult to control experience and quantify outcomes. Here, we take advantage of the tractable nature of vocal learning in songbirds (Lonchura striata domestica) to test the idea that matching instruction to individual genetic predispositions can enhance learning. We use both cross-fostering and computerized instruction with synthetic songs to demonstrate that matching the tutor song to individual predispositions can improve learning across genetic backgrounds. Moreover, we find that optimizing instruction in this fashion can equalize learning differences across individuals that might otherwise be construed as genetically determined. Our results demonstrate potent, synergistic interactions between experience and genetics in shaping song, and indicate the likely importance of such interactions for other complex learned behaviors.https://elifesciences.org/articles/47216L. striata domesticagene environment interactionGXEgene environment correlationcultural transmissionbehavioral genetics |
| spellingShingle | David G Mets Michael S Brainard Learning is enhanced by tailoring instruction to individual genetic differences eLife L. striata domestica gene environment interaction GXE gene environment correlation cultural transmission behavioral genetics |
| title | Learning is enhanced by tailoring instruction to individual genetic differences |
| title_full | Learning is enhanced by tailoring instruction to individual genetic differences |
| title_fullStr | Learning is enhanced by tailoring instruction to individual genetic differences |
| title_full_unstemmed | Learning is enhanced by tailoring instruction to individual genetic differences |
| title_short | Learning is enhanced by tailoring instruction to individual genetic differences |
| title_sort | learning is enhanced by tailoring instruction to individual genetic differences |
| topic | L. striata domestica gene environment interaction GXE gene environment correlation cultural transmission behavioral genetics |
| url | https://elifesciences.org/articles/47216 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT davidgmets learningisenhancedbytailoringinstructiontoindividualgeneticdifferences AT michaelsbrainard learningisenhancedbytailoringinstructiontoindividualgeneticdifferences |