AI should be introduced in the classroom without harming the cognitive abilities education aims to develop, says Erika Galea Artificial intelligence is not going away. But in the rush to integrate it into classrooms, we risk framing AI as the ultimate solution for teaching and learning, rather than what it truly is: a tool; a … Continue reading The neural cost of convenience: teaching with, and not by, AI – Dr. Erika Galea on the Sunday Times of Malta (originally published by Oxford University Press)
Neuroscience
The Neural Cost of Convenience: Teaching with, not by, AI – Dr. Erika Galea on Oxford University Press Education
OUP Education December 9, 2025 https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/neural-cost-convenience-teaching-ai-oup-education-vd1me Dr Erika Galea explores ways AI could be introduced into the classroom without harming the cognitive abilities education aims to develop. Artificial intelligence is not going away. But in the rush to integrate it into classrooms, we risk framing AI as the solution for teaching and learning, rather than … Continue reading The Neural Cost of Convenience: Teaching with, not by, AI – Dr. Erika Galea on Oxford University Press Education
Kids on iPads: the silence of the goldfish? – Dr. Erika Galea on the Sunday Times of Malta
More than banning screens, we need to understand what children’s brains can cope with and when too much becomes harmful https://x2.timesofmalta.com/20251102/child/kids-on-ipads-the-silence-of-the-goldfish/ You’ve probably seen it: a child throwing a tantrum is handed a screen, and suddenly, it’s as if someone pressed the mute button. Peace returns instantly, like magic. But what if this ‘magic’ is … Continue reading Kids on iPads: the silence of the goldfish? – Dr. Erika Galea on the Sunday Times of Malta
‘Teaching the AI-Native Generation’ published by Oxford University Press
New research from Oxford University Press reveals that over half of UK pupils struggle to identify AI misinformation. Key findings from the latest report, Teaching the AI-Native Generation, released on the 15th of October 2025, include: 💡 UK teenagers seek support from teachers to identify trustworthy AI content.💡 60% of pupils are concerned that AI … Continue reading ‘Teaching the AI-Native Generation’ published by Oxford University Press
‘They do not just learn differently, they are different’ – Dr. Erika Galea interviewed by The Malta Independent
Dr Erika Galea on educating Generation Alpha Born into a world of hyperconnectivity and AI, Generation Alpha faces neurological and emotional realities no curriculum was designed for. In her new book, Generation Alpha in the Classroom: New approaches to learning, co-authored with Olga Sayer, Dr Erika Galea challenges educators to move beyond outdated methods and embrace a … Continue reading ‘They do not just learn differently, they are different’ – Dr. Erika Galea interviewed by The Malta Independent
‘My brain’s (not) on holiday!’ – Dr. Erika Galea on the Sunday Times of Malta
Erika Galea discusses how to prevent summer becoming a three-month brain break for your child June 22, 2025 - 4 minute read Summer learning is not about cramming or worksheets; it is about bringing old knowledge back into the sunlight – in fun, natural ways. Photo: Shutterstock.com In a few days’ time, Malta’s schools will … Continue reading ‘My brain’s (not) on holiday!’ – Dr. Erika Galea on the Sunday Times of Malta
Learn to work with your brain – Dr. Erika Galea on the Sunday Times of Malta
By understanding what strengthens your brain’s connections, you stop guessing your way through learning and start making it work for you, not against you. May 25, 2025| Erika Galea|4 min read https://timesofmalta.com/article/learn-work-brain.1110225 By learning how your brain works, you sharpen its ability to absorb new information and adapt quickly. What if the secret to better learning … Continue reading Learn to work with your brain – Dr. Erika Galea on the Sunday Times of Malta
Teaching methods informed by educational neuroscience already bearing fruit – Dr Erika Galea interviewed by Newsbook Malta (Part 2)
By Miguel Azzopardi - May 18, 2025 6:30 AM Dr Erika Galea In the first part of this interview with Dr Erika Galea, we asked her about her new book she wrote with Ms Olga Sayer and published by Oxford University Press, Generation Alpha in the Classroom: New Approaches to Learning. We asked her about her … Continue reading Teaching methods informed by educational neuroscience already bearing fruit – Dr Erika Galea interviewed by Newsbook Malta (Part 2)
“Generation Alpha require teaching strategies that align with how their brains learn best” – Dr Erika Galea interviewed by Newsbook Malta (Part 1)
By Miguel Azzopardi -May 11, 2025 How has the rise of digital technology changed the way young people learn? Over the past few decades, technology has become a big part of our lives, affecting both work and personal life. For young people who have grown up in an environment filled with constant information and new … Continue reading “Generation Alpha require teaching strategies that align with how their brains learn best” – Dr Erika Galea interviewed by Newsbook Malta (Part 1)
How can we improve our mental health and wellbeing? – Dr. Erika Galea & Dr. Gabriel Ellul interviewed by Newsbook Malta
https://newsbook.com.mt/en/how-can-we-improve-our-mental-health-and-wellbeing/?fbclid=IwY2xjawGK2ZdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHdKgFLA470G85Fsuc7aMJ8juzaNmkx5i3j-D9NiKMQIdXKBSNuqLFJWbXQ_aem_bK5rmxdszSnX8FDkK_kgMA Mental health, undeniably, is as significant as physical health, if not more. But in an era where there is a wide variety of stresses, from societal pressures to personal challenges, mental resilience and well-being are essential. Nurturing a society that understands, respects and prioritises mental health is thus crucial. While discussions around mental health … Continue reading How can we improve our mental health and wellbeing? – Dr. Erika Galea & Dr. Gabriel Ellul interviewed by Newsbook Malta
How can we help children thrive at school? – an interview with Dr. Erika Galea by Newsbook Malta
https://newsbook.com.mt/en/how-can-we-help-children-thrive-at-school/ As the new school year begins, children are returning to school with all the challenges, opportunities and emotions it brings. They may be excited to see their friends but also conscious – perhaps apprehensive – of the academic challenges that lie ahead. When struggling with a subject, children may sometimes be told that they … Continue reading How can we help children thrive at school? – an interview with Dr. Erika Galea by Newsbook Malta
Keeping a child’s brain sharp during summer – Dr. Erika Galea on the Sunday Times of Malta
The brain tends to forget unused information, leading to a loss of learned material if students do not review during the holidays, Erika Galea says As summer is with us, students and teachers look forward to a break from the busy school year. However, taking a long break from learning, especially here in Malta where … Continue reading Keeping a child’s brain sharp during summer – Dr. Erika Galea on the Sunday Times of Malta
Researcher calls for open discussion on men’s mental health issues. “We need a cultural shift towards a more inclusive understanding of masculinity” – an interview with Dr Erika Galea by Newsbook Malta
Men, due to embedded and taken for granted expectations of masculinity often find it difficult to talk about their emotions. This, however, leads to a variety of problems from a lack of communications in various types of relationships undermining trust, to mental health issues among men that go unaddressed. In Malta, according to statistics from … Continue reading Researcher calls for open discussion on men’s mental health issues. “We need a cultural shift towards a more inclusive understanding of masculinity” – an interview with Dr Erika Galea by Newsbook Malta
Adapting Education for the Digital Natives: Rethinking Teaching Methodologies for Today’s Technologically Fluent Children – Dr. Erika Galea on the Sunday Times of Malta
Many educators approach me asking: 'How can we increase engagement among this generation of students in our classrooms? It seems they're not interested." My response is: "Are we adapting our teaching methods to suit and meet the needs of today's students, who are born in a world filled with technology? Or are we educating our … Continue reading Adapting Education for the Digital Natives: Rethinking Teaching Methodologies for Today’s Technologically Fluent Children – Dr. Erika Galea on the Sunday Times of Malta
Can educational neuroscience transform education in Malta? – An interview with Dr Erika Galea on Newsbook Malta. In the first of a two-part interview by Miguel Azzopardi, Dr Galea calls for the integration of social-emotional learning into the curriculum.
Is today’s education system suitable for an ever-changing world? Does it adequately help young people develop not just their skills and intellectual capabilities, but also emotionally? Does our education system prepare young people for a world that is uncertain, complex and ambiguous? Newsbook Malta spoke with Dr Erika Galea, an educator and researcher, and the … Continue reading Can educational neuroscience transform education in Malta? – An interview with Dr Erika Galea on Newsbook Malta. In the first of a two-part interview by Miguel Azzopardi, Dr Galea calls for the integration of social-emotional learning into the curriculum.
Understanding how we think: why educators need to know how the brain learns – Dr. Erika Galea on The Sunday Times of Malta
Educators carry a significant responsibility: not only do they guide students in understanding new concepts but they also equip them with the essential skills needed for the 21st century. However, to do that well, they need to know not just what to teach, but how students learn. It is a question that is as simple … Continue reading Understanding how we think: why educators need to know how the brain learns – Dr. Erika Galea on The Sunday Times of Malta
The Crucial and Urgent Need to Address Men’s Mental Health Issues – Dr. Erika Galea
In light of recurring local events making headlines and the everyday situations I witness, I felt a strong urge to write this today. Teaching boys from a young age to regulate their emotions, both in school and through their upbringing at home, is crucial for men's mental health. In my work focusing on mental health … Continue reading The Crucial and Urgent Need to Address Men’s Mental Health Issues – Dr. Erika Galea
A Neuroscientific Analysis of the Children’s National Policy Framework – Dr. Erika Galea on the Sunday Times of Malta
The Ministry for Social Policy and Children’s Rights recently launched for public consultation its proposed Children’s Policy Framework for the period 2024 to 2030, under the title ‘Investing in our Children for a Better Tomorrow’. The consultation is ongoing until January 31. In this article, I offer a neuroscientific analysis of the four national priorities … Continue reading A Neuroscientific Analysis of the Children’s National Policy Framework – Dr. Erika Galea on the Sunday Times of Malta
Fostering Cognitive Foundations through the Integration of Creative Arts in Curriculum – Dr. Erika Galea
This article provides relevant insights into incorporating creative arts skills into the core subjects, for the attention of parents, teachers and other stakeholders interested in the development of children at any stage in their educational journey. Introduction In recent years, there has been an increasing global recognition of the significance of integrating creative arts into … Continue reading Fostering Cognitive Foundations through the Integration of Creative Arts in Curriculum – Dr. Erika Galea
‘Transfer of knowledge is not automatic. In order for our students to transfer knowledge or skills from one scenario to another, we need to guide them. I always think of learning for the teacher as a well-choreographed dance’ – Patrice Bain
In the third and last part of her three-part vlog series, Patrice Bain, an experienced educator, speaker, and author, delves into how the process of knowledge transfer is not automatic; it requires guidance to enable students to apply knowledge and skills across different scenarios. This concept is likened to a well-choreographed dance in the context … Continue reading ‘Transfer of knowledge is not automatic. In order for our students to transfer knowledge or skills from one scenario to another, we need to guide them. I always think of learning for the teacher as a well-choreographed dance’ – Patrice Bain