And many feel that it is this remarkable part of the cerebral cortex which is intimately involved in the choreography of creativity through its complex connections with the rest of the brain. We might even think of the prefrontal cortex as an agile, if slightly mad scientist, mixing old solutions in new combinations. Each of these is a unique measure of prefrontal cortical activity. Note also that it is through the prefrontal cortex that we recognize and assume the habits and constraints of our culture. So here may occur that melding of nature and nurture that helps determine the extent to which each individual can tap his or her creativity.
Enrichment is the essence of the learning experience.
Research shows that the more actively involved we are in learning, the more likely we are to experience brain growth. This translates to less passive sitting and learning for the child, and more active involvement in learning projects. At the very least, we must encourage them to try unconventional or unfamiliar approaches to a problem. Dr. Arnold B. Scheibel is Professor of Neurobiology and Psychiatry at the UCLA School of Medicine and a former Director of the Brain Research Institute. His main interests have been in the substrates of consciousness and of higher cognitive function.