Chapter 5: The Connection Between Brain Science and Written Expression

Brain Science is the process of how the brain functions. The brain consists of four parts: brainstem, cerebellum, limbic system, and cortex. The brainstem deals with survival; the cerebellum regulates the autonomic nervous system; the limbic system deals with emotions; the cortex is involved in reasoning. The brain has two hemispheres that work together. The hemispheres of the brain play a larger role in particular functions; for example, the left hemisphere generally controls speech (van Dam, 2013). Research reveals that learning techniques that enhance memory formation include elaborating, verbalizing, writing, drawing, and sharing learned information. Short-term and long-term memories include four components: declarative, episodic, semantic, and procedural. These four concepts impact the creativity within writing for facts, events, experiences, words, and the process for the completion of tasks. Once writers understand the major functions of the brain, they are able to allow natural things to flow for accommodating experiential strategies in writing, assimilating new ideas for writing exploration, and engaging in possibilities in writing.