Problem-solving is chemically addictive. Like drugs.

Remember those anti-drug commercials? This is your brain (egg). This is your brain on drugs (crack into sizzling frying pan.) Any questions?

Short, visual, simple.

Here's one for you:

This is your brain (growth of neural networks) when someone solves the problem for you:

This is your brain (neural network growth) when someone allowed you to problem-solve and innovate:

Any questions? 

When you successfully complete a task, you are rewarded by your brain. It releases dopamine. Problem solving recruits pleasure pathways in your brain. A variety of addictive drugs increase dopamine neuronal activity. Successful problem-solving can become addictive. 

How often do you problem-solve for your students? Your teachers? When someone comes to you with a problem, do they leave with the first neural growth picture or the second? What impact does your instruction or professional development have if you're just throwing information at them? 

**Thanks to Mari Fedrow from Cognitive Solutions for visual and insight.