The Brain – Using It to the Fullest and Learning Easily! Part IV

Approximate reading time: 2m 24s

And there is still much to be discovered and explored.

For example, in 1950 Dr. Paul MacLean from the Laboratory of Brain Evolution and Behavior at the National Institute of Mental Health in the United States presented his theory. According to MacLean’s findings, the human brain is actually made up of three other brains, each layering the collected information over the previous one and together forming a complex system of past experiences and new experience.

The learning zone is located in the lower part of the brain, emotional learning in the area of the midbrain, and highly intelligent thinking in the upper part of the brain. According to the research MacLean conducted, it becomes clear that the human brain evolved over millions of years.

By the end of the 20th century, scientists were already learning much more about the human brain. Because of this, many people call this period the "decade of the brain." Then the secret of the brain’s learning function was revealed. The greatest lesson from the research is that we still do not know all the facts about the human brain and how it processes information. One reason is that the human brain continues to grow and develop in adulthood.

Research dating back to 1970 also shows that the left side of our brain functions differently from the right side. But this fact tells us only a little about the bigger picture behind our brain’s learning abilities. 

People actually have one whole brain, in which both hemispheres interact and process information. Each of us individually stimulates the two hemispheres to different degrees. But do not imagine that when we do something specific, only one half of the brain is working. Cartoons may allow it, but that would be far from reality. Both hemispheres work in tandem.

For example, a musician uses the right side of the brain to produce music with an instrument, while the left side tracks the sequence of notes and what movement to make in order to reproduce what is needed. In this way, our entire brain coordinates the activities needed to remember and perform a musical piece.

A large part of what scientists have concluded so far is due to significant advances in technology. Methods such as brain scanning like magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography have literally opened the brain’s functions to visual observation. With such tools, electrical and radio waves can be used to track and record brain activities such as recalling or storing information; responding to smells, sounds, and visual stimuli; emotions. It is possible to capture how the human brain responds to different stimuli. The image shows hot spots, called „fires“, which indicate where there is activity.

Such observations help better determine the type of function occurring in different parts of the brain. This offers a broad database and insights for creating learning strategies for easier assimilation of the external information being provided.

Left and right hemisphere – which activity happens where?

Much has been written about how we can improve our own performance in memorizing and assimilating material by using the knowledge of which hemisphere of our brain is our strong side. But do we really know whether the left or the right works more in our favor? Here is a quick test that will once and for all determine which part of the brain excels in your daily activities.

Source: The Creative Training Idea Book, Inspired Tips and Techniques for Engaging and Effective Learning, ROBERT W. LUCAS