Constructions of Neuroscience in Early Childhood Education

‘This book provides a welcome addition to the critical literature on the uses and misuses of neuroscience in policy and practice, focused in particular on the current ‘neuroethusiasm’ that pervades much advocacy for early intervention and contributes to early childhood services increasingly becoming a technical practice for governing child and parent alike. In keeping with the aims of the series Contesting Early Childhood, the book will help readers question the claims of what has become a dominant discourse, and to gain a better understanding of what neuroscience can and can’t offer early childhood education.’ - Emeritus Professor Peter Moss, Institute of Education, University College London

'This book makes myth busting its business by seriously considering the common sense status of much knowledge about neuroscience and early childhood education. Practitioners, policy makers, and politicians should know about the ways in which facets of neuroscience have been misrepresented, reduced and simplified to produce simplistic conclusions that amount ultimately to deficit and blame, and technocratic arguments for alleged economic benefits. It provokes neuro-enthusiasts to interrogate neuroscience ‘truths’ and the evidence to support these by thinking beyond the economic bottom line and reflect about meanings of education, visions of society, social justice, and equity.' - Sue Grieshaber, Monash University, Australia