Novelty, Creativity, and the Socio-Emotional Brain
Objectives
- To evaluate the role of dopamine in ensuring novelty.
- To consider the role of the Reticular Activating System and the Executive Attention Network of the brain in learning.
- To analyse the role of the Imagination Network of the brain in promoting creativity.
Key Concepts
Neuroscience
Mind Brain Education
Novelty
Creativity
Module overview
Of all the neurotransmitters in the brain, perhaps the most significant one from the teacher’s perspective is dopamine – the brain chemical associated with movement, attention, learning, and the brain’s pleasure and reward system. When there are low amounts of dopamine being produced, students won’t pay attention as much because they have no interest in the information being presented.
This module looks at how to use strategies based on neuroscience to promote creativity and novelty in the classroom. The module also considers the role of The Reticular Activating System and the Executive Attention Network of the brain in learning.
Details
Skills
Digital Literacy 
Futures Thinking
Creativity & Imagination 
Big Picture Thinking 
Risk-taking & Adaptability
Moonshot Thinking
Cross Curricular programs and links
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