Arts, Neuroscience, and Learning

In James E. Zull's article, he questions what art really is. He proposes that art is anything that is done well. Whether it be a skill or talent - learning, even, he considers art. Zull states that the only way one remembers what is taught, is if emotion is brought into teaching. Arts, he has found, release chemicals into the brain such as adrenalin, dopamine, and serotonin. Thus, when music, drama, dance, and movement are combined with other curriculum, students are more likely to remember what is being taught. He believes that this neurological research will make other subjects more enjoyable, and keep the arts from being discredited.

Zull, J. E. (March 2005). Arts, Neuroscience, and Learning. Retrieved from http://www.newhorizons.org/neuro/zull_2.htm

• Neurologists have discovered that the arts cause the brain to release chemicals that evoke a sense of well-being (adrenalin, dopamine, and serotonin)
• When emotions are felt, material is remembered and recalled better

This research is crucial for the education community. It is important that our students have every opportunity to learn of the arts through music, movement, and drama. If the arts are kept in schools and combined with other subjects, our students will flourish.