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The brain works differently in readying to solve a puzzle, and then solving it. This article describes how neuroscientists are mapping the brain to look at the entire process of solving puzzles, not just the solution part. And, humor and a pleasant experience prior to solving puzzles enhances the process!

Scientists have discovered proof that the evolution of intelligence and larger brain sizes can be driven by cooperation and teamwork, shedding new light on the origins of what it means to be human. The study appears online in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B and was led by scientists at Trinity College Dublin: PhD student, Luke McNally and Assistant Professor Dr Andrew Jackson at the School of Natural Sciences in collaboration with Dr Sam Brown of the University of Edinburgh.

Scientific study of how working collaboratively enlarges brain size

Brains are being rewired from focused attention to flashing from one thing to another because of the digital devices now ubiquitous in the culture. This article asks what it means for learning and education.

By Markus Reiter in tc world (technical communication), October 2012. In this article, the author looks at what neuroscientists are learning about what makes texts "comprehensible" (or not).

TM shared this article from the technical writing community, but applicable for all teachers and students of writing.

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Smilkstein writes on "brain-compatible" teaching. Her best-known publications, Born to learn (2003) and Igniting student potential (2007) are both described on this site, along with a "Natural human learnings process guidelines" document for educators.

By Benedict Carey in the Science section, NewYorkTimes.com, December 6th 2010. Studies have been underway to detect what sparks the creative insight needed to solve puzzles. Humor is one characteristic that research suggests.

Lisa noted this article in December coffeeklatch. She says "Try the test in the interactive box on the left. Interesting!"