ABSTRACT
The brain detects, constructs, and elaborates patterns as a built-in and natural function. It does not have to be taught or motivated to do so any more than the heart needs to be instructed or coaxed to pump blood. In fact, efforts to teach or motivate the pattern detection, however well meant, may have inhibiting and negative effects. Although the roots of the Acquisition through Creative Teaching Approach reach back into the depth psychology of Jung and the humanistic model of Psychosynthesis, it is our growing understanding of the human brain–how it functions, what affects it, how we can assist it–which has become the real foundation for the model. It has been tempting for those who have popularized brain research to create neat, oversimplified dichotomies and to jab at educational straw men that they have erected. It would be wiser, therefore, to talk less of hemispheric location and create more balanced, inclusively comprehensive educational experiences.
