Abstract
Understanding the intersecting cognitive pathways that are integral to ways of thinking, creating and functioning in both art and science is an important grounding for a STEAM educational approach. We combine three divergent concepts, including creativity, hemisphere laterality, and critical state theory, to argue for a more balanced approach to learning as part of a modern meaning-centered education in STEAM. Reviewing the concept of hemisphere laterality, or how the two hemispheres of our brain have different (though not disconnected) ways of processing sensory information, we note how these two means of interpreting the world have become unbalanced in traditional modes of learning. We then discuss creativity as a mechanism that serves to balance the work of both hemispheres. Finally, critical state theory is introduced as an argument for why our brains need to exist in a more dynamically balanced state to function well in contemporary society.
DOI
10.5642/steam.20170301.09
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Rock, Jenny and Flatt, Asher
(2017)
"Creativity, Laterality and Critical State Balance in Learning,"
The STEAM Journal:
Vol. 3:
Iss.
1, Article 9.
DOI: 10.5642/steam.20170301.09
Available at:
https://scholarship.claremont.edu/steam/vol3/iss1/9
Included in
Cognitive Neuroscience Commons, Developmental Neuroscience Commons, Educational Methods Commons, Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons
Author/Artist Bio
Jenny Rock is a Senior Lecturer in Science and Society at the University of Otago in New Zealand. Her research interests include art-science integration, sensory and visual communication, and participatory practice. sciencecommunication.info/staff/rock.html jennyrockotago.wordpress.com Asher Flatt holds a masters in Science Communication; his thesis work, supervised by Jenny Rock, was on 'Learning in a Critical State'.