The document discusses theories about how the brain functions. It describes Ned Herrmann's whole brain theory, which divides the brain into four sections - left and right cerebral and limbic areas. Roger Sperry's split brain theory found that the left and right hemispheres are specialized for different types of thinking. Paul McLean's triune brain theory proposes that the brain consists of the reptilian brain, limbic system, and neocortex, each controlling different functions from basic survival to higher cognition. The document also discusses mind mapping as a creative way to explore ideas and enhance brain activity.
2. Objectives
The learners shall be able to:
• Discuss that understanding the left and right brain may help
in improving one’s learning.
• Explore two-types of mind-mapping techniques
• Make a plan to improve learning
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5. THE BRAIN
⊡ The brain is a complex organ that controls thought, memory, emotion, touch,
motor skills, vision, breathing, temperature, hunger and every process that
regulates our body.
⊡ Together, the brain and spinal cord that extends from it make up the central
nervous system, or CNS.
⊡ Weighing about 3 pounds in the average adult, the brain is about 60% fat.
⊡ The remaining 40% is a combination of water, protein, carbohydrates and salts.
⊡ The brain itself is a not a muscle.
⊡ It contains blood vessels and nerves, including neurons and glial cells.
⊡ The brain sends and receives chemical and electrical signals throughout the body.
Different signals control different processes, and your brain interprets each. Some
make you feel tired, for example, while others make you feel pain.
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7. WHOLE BRAIN THEORY
These are:
⊡ Left Cerebral (Upper left)
⊡ Left Limbic (Lower left)
⊡ Right Limbic (Lower right)
⊡ Right Cerebral (Upper right)
⊡ Hermann’s theory allows us to differentiate between the left and the right brain, as
well as the concept of cognitive thinking and emotional response.
⊡ Our upper brain is believed to control our intellectual process (cerebral thinking)
⊡ Our lower brain (limbic system) controls our emotional response such as anger,
happiness and fear.
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10. SPLIT BRAIN THEORY
⊡ He divided the brain into two hemispheres ; Right and Left hemisphere
⊡ Each hemisphere is specialized for some behaviors and controls different types of
thinking .
⊡ The Left brain is believed to be more logical, analytical and objective
⊡ The Right brain is said to be more intuitive, creative, emotional and subjective.
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13. TRIUNE BRAIN THEORY
⊡ His theory suggests that humans have three brains: Reptilian brain, limbic system
and neo-cortex.
⊡ Both the limbic and neo-cortex have to halves, a right and left side.
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14. TRIUNE BRAIN THEORY
REPTILIAN BRAIN
⊡ Controls the body’s vital functions such as heart rate, breathing, body temperature and
balance.
LIMBIC SYSTEM
⊡ The middle part of the brain
⊡ Concerned with emotions, instincts, feeding, fighting and fleeing
⊡ This system controls the body’s autonomic nervous system
NEO-CORTEX
⊡ Controls the higher cognitive functions which distinguish man from the animals, this is the
“thinking cap”.
⊡ It is responsible for functions that is considered uniquely human such as abstract reasoning,
aesthetic values, judgment and language.
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15. TRIUNE BRAIN THEORY
HINDBRAIN
⊡ Responsible for our instinctive, autonomic behaviour and serves survival functions.
⊡ Medulla controls vital functions like respiration, circulation, digestion, heart rate
⊡ Cerebellum regulates posture, balance and muscular coordination
⊡ Pons regulates movement, sleep and arousal
⊡ Reticular Activating system regulates attention, movement, sleep and walk and reflexes
MIDBRAIN
⊡ The conduction and switching center of the brain that enables responses, like muscle
movement. For example recalling an instructions verbally, you don not only hear words but
recall and follow the sequence of instructions.
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16. TRIUNE BRAIN THEORY
FOREBRAIN
⊡ It is in charge of our intellectual activity and consciousness
⊡ Cerebrum is for remembering, emotion and thinking.
⊡ Thalamus relays sensory information
⊡ Hypothalamus secretes hormones and controls physiological functions like temperature,
hunger and thirst.
⊡ Pituitary Gland is the master gland that secretes hormones and controls the endocrine system.
Left Hemisphere is for factual, logical, analytical, organizing and control
Right Hemisphere is for intuitive, holistic, spontaneous, open and flexible
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18. MIND MAPPING
MIND MAPPING
⊡ A creative way of exploring ideas through a graphic or visual presentation.
⊡ It uses words, images, numbers, colours to expand your brain.
⊡ It also uses mental skills that enhance brain activity to produce ideas, learn through clearer
thinking and perform better.
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