Motivation
CPD: MARGE Model for Learning (by Nimish Lad), topic 1.1.3
The Reward Circuit and the Prefrontal Cortex
Shimamura says the midbrain is where dopamine is produced and has some control of motivational salience; the degree to which a person is motivated or repelled by an event, object or outcome.
The results of cerebral imaging
- When patients are subjected to pleasurable processes, cerebral imaging shows that the areas of the brain associated with efficient learning, such as the prefrontal cortex, are linked to the reward circuit in the midbrain.
Curiosity is key
- When attempting to motivate students as part of the learning process, Shimamura discusses the idea of curiosity as key for engaging the reward circuit.
Epistemic vs diverse
- It is important to consider if the curiosity we are fostering is epistemic (wanting to go deep and learn more about a subject) rather than diverse (wanting to experience a range of new ideas).
- Epistemic curiosity activates the midbrain reward pathways.
Test yourself on Motivation
Which type of curiosity do we want to foster to ensure repeat engagement from students?
Which neurotransmitter is made in the midbrain?
Where are the reward pathways?