The brain is structured in such a way that different parts of the brain take on different roles in learning. In general, higher-order learning and thinking occurs in the frontal cortex (behind the forehead). Processes like rationalization, reasoning, and decision-making are ultimately made in the frontal cortex in combination with other areas of the brain.
The mid-brain region plays significantly into combining with the work of the frontal cortex. This interaction is key to education and learning. The mid-brain region is where the reward centers and the seat of emotionality in the brain are – it is where you learn from your successes and mistakes. The knowledge of past successes and mistakes, which offers growth in thinking, then plays into decisions about how to answer a question, complete a proof or given an oral presentation.
This interaction can also be problematic. The mid-brain region is dopamine rich. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter and acts like a stimulant in learning and feeling processes. On one hand, the activity in the mid-brain can seem sufficient if it offers a rewarding feeling to the person. However, if this occurs, then the additional – and very necessary work – of the frontal cortex in advancing thought might not kick in.
One form of learning that is highly useful to ensure that these two sections of the brain are working in tandem is fictive learning. Fictive learning involves the use of scenarios and role playing. It offers a student a chance to engage in something that if they get wrong, will not have a tremendous impact. Fictive learning and what-if scenarios can be used in the classroom, it’s a major element of reading and can be a component of conversations that families casually have.
Whether a student makes wrong decisions during a fictive learning scenario can easily be reflected upon using higher-order thinking after the fact, with a lot less emotion than if reflecting on a real, personal scenario. This offers students a chance to learn from mistakes that they do not also have to pay for, or emotionally recover from. Any number of necessary life lessons can be taught early and often using simple conversations that employ scenarios and get kids thinking.
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