Thinking Brain
Slow, Effortful and Uncertain (SEU)
The ability to think sets us apart from fellow animals. But at the same time, human brain does not like to think! It will try to save us from having to think.
Although we are naturally curious beings, we are not inherently good thinkers; unless the conditions are favourable, we will avoid thinking.
Thinking is slow, effortful and uncertain (SEU)
Slow: You look at something, and your visual system in the brain (camera) immediately takes in a visual scene. Basically takes a snapshot. 📸
Effortful: You can simultaneously do other tasks while looking at something, but to think about it you need concentration.🔎
Uncertain: Your visual system 📷 often makes mistakes, and when it does, you hear yourself say, “Us jaisa kuch dekha tha”, “I can recall something like that; I think you were saying something that day..” and here comes the angry stare 😡
So what?
Okay, so all of the above has some implications, especially for schools, parents and teachers.
Our brains are naturally curious, but curiosity is fragile. Curiosity prompts our brains to explore new ideas and problems, and solving problems can become fun that brings pleasure.
But if it’s too much or too little work to solve the problem, our brain stops working on it. Mental work is only pleasurable when we have the opportunity to succeed to look forward to.
These considerations are crucial to facilitate the learning of students. Otherwise, we easily fall into the trap of how children are not interested in learning.
