Leveraging the Science of Learning and Development (SoLD) to Enhance Teacher Competencies

• Deodatus Kolek

  Indonesia University of Education

  Author

• Munir Munir

  Indonesia University of Education

  Author

Teacher competence is a key factor in achieving quality education, particularly in the context of implementing the Merdeka Curriculum in Indonesia. Recent advances in neuroscience and developmental science, compiled within the Science of Learning and Development (SoLD) framework, provide new insights into how humans learn and develop holistically, encompassing cognitive, emotional, social, and contextual dimensions. However, teachers' understanding of SoLD principles and their application in pedagogical practice remains limited, thereby hindering the optimization of learning environments that align with students' developmental potential. This research aims to analyze the benefits of SoLD principles for enhancing teacher competence through a qualitative literature review. The research methodology employs a qualitative approach utilizing library research with content analysis techniques applied to relevant literature. Findings demonstrate that teachers' understanding of brain malleability, individual developmental variability, and cognitive flexibility can fundamentally transform their pedagogical approaches. Teachers who implement SoLD principles undergo a paradigm shift from the traditional knowledge transmission model to facilitators of meaningful knowledge construction, with the capacity to create inclusive, responsive, and psychologically safe learning environments for all students.

• pdf