Why do I behave the way I do?

During our walks together, my elder daughter Sanskriti often asks me questions like, "Why do human beings behave in certain ways?" or "Why is her sister so different from her brother?" It's moments like these that prompt me to delve into the fascinating realm of neuroscience, particularly the study of the human brain.

Reflecting on these inquiries, I realized that the differences in behavior and interests among individuals are deeply rooted in how our brains are wired. The human brain, with its intricate structure and functions, holds the key to understanding these variations. As I delved deeper into this subject, I came to appreciate the significance of the brain's four lobes and their connection to different types of intelligence.

In this article, I share some of my learnings from various sources and why it is essential for educators and teachers to learn them at a deeper level.

The brain is divided into four main lobes: the frontal lobe, the parietal lobe, the temporal lobe, and the occipital lobe. Each lobe plays a unique role in processing information and governing various cognitive functions. For educators, understanding these distinctions is paramount, as it enables them to cater to diverse learning styles and nurture individual strengths.

Let's explore how each lobe contributes to different types of intelligence:

1. Frontal Lobe: Often referred to as the "control panel" of the brain, the frontal lobe is associated with higher-level cognitive functions such as problem-solving, decision-making, and social behavior. Individuals with well-developed frontal lobes tend to excel in logical reasoning and strategic planning, demonstrating what we commonly perceive as "analytical intelligence."
2. Parietal Lobe: The parietal lobe is primarily responsible for processing sensory information, spatial awareness, and the perception of stimuli. Those with strong parietal lobes exhibit heightened spatial intelligence, enabling them to excel in activities such as navigation, geometry, and the visual arts.
3. Temporal Lobe: This lobe plays a crucial role in auditory processing, language comprehension, and memory formation. Individuals with well-developed temporal lobes often possess strong linguistic and musical intelligence, demonstrating proficiency in languages, music composition, and storytelling.
4. Occipital Lobe: Located at the back of the brain, the occipital lobe is primarily involved in visual processing and interpretation. Individuals with dominant occipital lobes demonstrate heightened visual-spatial intelligence, excelling in tasks related to imagery, visualization, and artistic expression.

Understanding different types of intelligence and how they connect to the brain helps teachers teach in ways that suit how students learn best. When teachers recognize what students are good at and help them get even better, it makes the classroom a better place for everyone.

Neuroscience, which is the study of the brain, is super important for education. Teachers should learn about how the brain works because it helps them understand why students act the way they do and how they learn. When teachers know this stuff, they can teach better.

In conclusion, learning about the brain helps us understand why people are smart in different ways. When teachers use this knowledge in their classrooms, it makes learning better for everyone. So, I strongly advocate learning more about the brain, especially for educators and teachers, and thereby making schools a super enriching experience for every student!

What are your thoughts on this? Does this approach of training every teacher on the science of the brain help them to further empower every child? I would love to hear.

Narendra Gupta

Founder, Legend Makers