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.
