An examination into the theory of brain lateralization, learning styles and the implications for education.
This is the right brain article converted to make the first letter of each word bold, to help reading for dyslexics.
The JavaScript code to perform the transformation can be found at BoldFirst on github
The idea that the left and right hemispheres exhibit different
patterns of thought has caught the public attention and have inspired
several educational theories, notably "Eight ways of knowing" by David
Lazear , and numerous other self-help books. However theses theories
have also been heavily criticized, and sometimes cast as
pop-psychological myths .
Here we will investigate current understanding of left-right brain
functioning; look at some of the psychological and educational models
which result; an examine some of the educational implications. We will
also examine for of the critiques of the theory and a couple of
speculative ideas inspired by techniques in statistics and computer
science. We start with a brief look at the brain.
Basic brain biology
A simplified model of the human brain consists of many parts:
Brain stem, hind brain, mid brain & cerebellum - the most ancient
parts, connected to the spine, controls movement, breathing and
heartbeats.
Limbic system - consisting of many specialist organs including the
Hypothalamus, hippocampus -developed in mammals. Some memory functions
and generation of emotional responses.
Cerebral cortex - the distinguishing feature of human brains
The cortex is divided into two hemispheres, left and right connected
by a thick layer of cells called the corpus callosum. Most other parts
of the brain are also divided laterally.
Parts of the brain
Each hemisphere of the cortex can further be divided into four
lobes:
Temporal - sound and speech processing, aspects of memory
Frontal - thinking, conceptualisation, planning.
The left hand eye is connected to the right hand occipital lobe and
vice-versa. The right hand side of the brain also controls the left hand
side of the body.
The outer surface of the cerebral cortex, commonly called the grey
matter, is made up of the cell bodies many million of neurons, which are
the main processing unit of the brain. Below the surface is the white
matter, this chiefly consists of dendrites and axons which connect
neurons to each other.
A simplified model of the processing of a neuron is that it receives
inputs through its dendrites and depending upon the level of inputs it
will fire a signal along its axion. Towards the end of the axion its
splits and connects to dendrites of other neurons causing them to fire.
While each individual neuron performs a simple processing task, the
shear number of neurons give the brain is power. More importantly it is
the number of connections which distinguish the way a brain function to
the typical functioning a computer today, the ratio of connections to
processing unit is much larger in the brain than in a computer.
The behaviourist work of Pavlov and Skinner led Donald Hebb to
develop a model of synapse in 1949 that could account for how
associations could be formed . This model has become the accepted model
and is central to questions on how memories form and learning takes
place. Consider the situation where two incoming neurons (A,B) synapse
onto a third (C) and (before learning) a signal from A will be strong
enough to cause C to fire but a signal from B will not. During learning
when both A and B fire together biochemical processes will strengthen
the response to signals from B. After learning a signal from B will be
strong enough to cause C to fire. This general model has been confirmed
by decades of research in memory. During learning specific cells change
their properties which can be morphological changes including growth of
new dendratic spines, increase in synapse numbers and dimensions and
changes in electrical properties of a synaps.
We will now examine the theories of how processing in the left and
right hand hemisphere differ.
Research into Brain lateralization
Much of the theory of left-right specialisation has been developed
through examining patients who have had physical defects in one part of
the brain. One of the earliest of these investigations was Paul Broca's
work in 1861 with a patient nicknamed Tan who had a large cyst in the
left hand side of his brain. Tan could only say one word: "Tan", hence
the nickname. This indicated that some language functions were
concentrated in the left hand side of the brain. Further study of eight
patients who all had language problems revealed they also had left
hemisphere lesions and the study of left-right specialisation was
born.
Since Broca's early work there has been much research into the
processing of language. Several specific areas of the brain have been
identified which play a part in language (for most people these all
reside in the left hemisphere).
Broca's area: plays a part in grammatical processing.
Angualar gyri: involved in the recognition of visual symbols
Supra-marginal gyri:
In most (97%) right-handed people language is controlled by the left
hemisphere. Left-handers have a more even distribution of language in
both hemispheres. In 19% this is concentrated in the left hemisphere,
and in 68% it is concentrated in the right hemisphere, the remainder
have language processing in both hemispheres.
Steven Pinker's "The Language Instinct" , give a good overview of how
we process language, the specific roles that certain areas of the brain
play and also they types of speech defects that damage to these areas
can give rise to.
If language is mainly processed on the left of the brain, then what
happens on the right hand side, and what functions do the corresponding
areas on the right hand side have? Here research has fewer results
which are more contentious.
We shall now move onto the split brain
research of Dr. Roger W Sperry.
Nobel prize winner R Sperry's research concentrated on what happens
when parts of the corpus callosum, which connects left and right
hemisphere, is cut. Some of this work was on animals and some was on
human patients who had their corpus callosum cut for medicinal reasons
(often to alleviate epilepsy). A typical result of this research
involved presenting an image to the left eye (connected to right hand
side of the brain), the patient would be unable to say the name of the
object (using language centres in the left hemisphere), but could pick
out a similar object with the left hand (right hemisphere) . Perhaps the
most intriguing split brain research was with a patient of another pair
of split brain researcher, Michael Gazzaniga and Joseph LeDoux, who had
some limited language facilities in his right brain. This patient show
marked preferences in responses from the two hemispheres. When asked,
"What do you want to do?" the left hemisphere replied "draftsman", but
the right hemisphere (using scrabble letters) replied "automobile race"
.
The overall results of Sperry's research can be summarised by his
quote: "Everything we have seen indicates that the surgery has left
these people with two separate minds. That is, two separate spheres of
consciousness" .
Some specific differences between the two hemispheres resulted from
this and subsequent research. The right-brain is better at:
Right Hemisphere
Left Hemisphere
Specialities
Copying of designs,
Discrimination of shapes e.g. picking out a camouflaged object,
Understanding geometric properties,
Reading faces,
Music,
Global holistic processing,
Understanding of metaphors,
Expressing emotions,
Reading emotions.
Language skills,
Skilled movement,
Analytical time sequence processing.
Shared
Sensations on both side of face,
Sound perceived by both ears,
Pain,
Hunger,
Position.
Emotions
Negative emotions (fearful mournful feelings),
Positive emotions
neurotransmitters
Higher levels of norepinephrine
Higher levels of dopamine
Grey Matter White Matter ratio
More white-matter (longer axons) on right
more grey-matter (cell bodies) on the left.
One particular difference in patient with damage to one side of the
brain is how they copy a diagram. A patient with left brain damage will
tend to copy the overall outline of a diagram but not the details and a
patient with right brain damage will tend to get the details correct but
not the overall outline.(Carter)
Often the differences are small, but statistically significant. Some
of the results also vary for left handed people. Numerous researchers
using have confirmed these results using a variety of techniques.
Functional brain imaging using EEG and PET scans, which record brain
activity while a patient is performing a particular task are some of the
more modern techniques.
One curious fact is that women tend to have a more active corpus
callosum with 10% more neuron fibers . The level of connection will have
a large impact on mental processes.
Due to the controversial nature of the subject a note on the
reference is called for. The above results have been taken from R
Carter, Mapping the Mind , pp48-61 and D Falk, Braindance, pp102-107 .
Both books are popular science works rather than academic articles.
However both authors seem to present relatively unbiased results of the
scientific literature. Carter is a medical writer and she used the
assistance of C Firth a Welcome Principal Research fellow as a
consultant. Dean Falk is a professor at SUNY specializing in
neuro-anatomy and biological anthropology.
I have not found any reliable sources which contradict the above
findings. The critiques tend to focus on the interpretations of these
result, of which more will follow below.
Grey matter - white matter ratios
Of the above results the difference in the ratios of grey matter to
white matter in the two hemisphere seemed deserves some more
investigation. From a computational point of view the difference in
these ratios can partially explain some of the differences in
functioning of the two hemispheres.
In the field of computer science different types of processing tasks
require different types architecture. The typical desktop computer will
have a single central processing unit, which will read and write data to
from its memory. The central processing unit acts in a sequential manner
performing a large number simple operations one by one at a very fast
pace (several orders of magnitude quicker than the human brain). This is
an example of an architecture with few connections and a very fast
processing unit. This type of computer excels at performing routine
processing tasks such as simple mathematical processing. The task of
displaying a word processing document can easily be broken down into a
sequence of mathematical operations that convert the data in memory into
pixels on the screen. However it is poor at other tasks, often those
which humans are good at: recognition of speech and images (faces).
The field of Artificial Intelligence has struggled for many years to
make any progress in these fields. Speech recognition is finally
becoming more reliable, and visual recognition is only beginning to make
progress. For these tasks a very different types of architecture show
better results. These are often based on Neural Networks which have been
heavily influenced the structure of the human brain and the Hebb model
of learning in the synapse. The distinguishing feature of this approach
is to have a large number of simpler processors and a very large number
of connections between them. Using feedback techniques this type of
architecture can be made to learn by strengthening some of the
connections between processors and weakening others.
Speech and visual processing are mathematically two very different
problems. Speech is a one-dimensional temporal problem where as vision
is a three dimensional special problem. Speed of processing is more
important for temporal problems, whereas there are more interacting
variables in spatial problems and requiring tasks like mentally rotating
objects. The types of architecture for the two will be different.
Speculatively the types of architecture for the two could depend of the
ration of processors to connections with more connections required for
the latter, i.e. the type of distinction observed in the different
hemisphere. An emerging field is beginning to look at spatial-temporal
problems which may require different architecture again.
Even more speculative is an evolutionary approach to human brain
development. The bi-lateral nature of the cortex perhaps owes most to
our evolutionarily heritage where the brain has developed from the earlier
mammalian brain where there was a direct connection with the left and
right hand sides of the body. Now if we have a bi-lateral cortex, there
are two main options, either it can be a pair of redundant systems each
performing the same task (as in control systems of an airline), or the
two halves can specialize. The cost of redundant systems is probably
outweighs the advantages indicating a need to specialize. But how to
specialise? One very simple way to achieve this would be to subtly alter
the grey matter/white matter ratios and also the presentation of
neurotransmitters. The results we see in the human brain could be a
simple consequence of this specialization with the variations in
functions tending to happen in the side most suitable for it. I have no
evidence to backup this paragraph apart from a bit of (right brain)
lateral thinking.
Learning styles and personality
Ned Herrmann is "Father of brain dominance technology". He drew on
the work of Sperry and developed the theory brain dominance where people
develop a dominant mode of thinking preference. These can range from an
analytical "left brain" approach to "right brain" approaches involving
pattern matching and intuitive understanding. These preferences have
their roots in our genetic makeup and how it affects our underlying
cognitive capabilities. For example left-right handed preferences have
been observed in the womb. As we develop we tend to respond with our
strongest abilities as these lead to quicker short-term rewards. This
can create a positive feedback system that will strengthen those
abilities. Eventually this can lead to a powerful preference for one
style over the other and a dislike and discomfort for other modes of
thinking.
Herrmann then went onto develop the four-quadrant model of cognitive
preferences and a questionnaire called the Herrmann Brain Dominance
Instrument (HBDI) , . The inspiration for this model came from dividing
the brain into as four different systems with four preferred styles:
A: Left cerebral hemisphere - analytical
B: Left limbic system - sequential
C: Right limbic system - interpersonal
D: Right cerebral hemisphere - imaginative
An immediate critique is that there seems to be little evidence for
differences in the left and right hand limbic systems. However,
Herrmann's system does not try to be an accurate model of the way the
brain functions. Instead it should really be thought of as a model of
different styles, partially inspired by the brain, but also the result
of extensive questionnaires. As he refined his questionnaires four
(rather than just two) separate clusters seemed to emerge which are
reflected in the model. Considerable work has gone into testing the
validity of this system with overall positive results.
It is worth examining these four styles in more detail:
A Quadrant: Analytical thinking.
Key word: logical, factual, critical, technical and quantitative.
Preferred activities: collecting data, listening to informational
lectures, reading textbooks. Judging ideas based on facts, criteria and
logical reasoning.
B Quadrant: Sequential thinking.
Key word: conservative, structured, organised, detailed, and
planned.
Preferred activities: following directions, repetitive detailed
homework problems, time management and schedules.
Preferred activities: listening to and sharing ideas, looking for
personal meaning, sensory input, and group study.
D Quadrant: Imaginative thinking.
Key word: Visual, holistic, intuitive, innovative, and
conceptual.
Preferred activities: Looking at the big picture, taking initiative,
simulations (what if questions), visual aids. Appreciate beauty of a
problem, brainstorming.
One of the central ideas of the Herrmann's approach it to develop
"whole brain thinking". This focussing on strengthening the week points
by using techniques that require a particular style of thinking. This
can lead to "Creative problem solving" where a combination of different
techniques can be used to arrive at a better solution.
Herrmann's theory offers a strong critique of traditional educational
practices. These can be viewed as focussing on sequential reasoning
skills and digestion of established theories. Creativity and C and D
quadrant skills are often overshadowed or actively discouraged .
An equivalent non-proprietary instrument developed was developed by
Eugene Raudsepp:
online test.
A related but independent theory is Howard Gardner's 1983 theory of
Multiple Intelligences . Here he identified seven types of intelligence:
Verbal-linguistic,
Logical-mathematical,
Visual-spatial,
Body-kinaesthetic,
Auditory-musical,
Inter-personal communication,
Intra-personal communication,
Gardner later added Naturalist Intelligence and Existentialist
Intelligence. Whilst Gardner had a background in neuro-psychology he
does not appear to make any specific links between brain science and his
theories. Gardener is a strong believer in the plurality of
intelligences and does not consider these to be the definitive set. He
is also keen to differentiate intelligences from learning styles. David
Lazear's "Eight Ways of Knowing" expands upon this theme giving many
sample exercises for each mode, as well as a rather uncritical review of
the literature. The visual-spatial seems to have some aspect of right
brain styles.
Of these the logical-mathematical intelligence seems a questionable
grouping. Arithmetic is often associated with the left brain sequential
processing yet there is good evidence that mathematically gifted
children tend to be left handed implying a right-brain dominance . This
could reflect a difference between early mathematics which is often a
repetitive rote learning, and more advanced mathematics which often
requires high levels of visual-spatial reasoning and abstract thinking.
The naturalistic grouping is also questionable, some very different
skills such as classifying flora and fauna (very much a
analytical/sequential skill in Herrmann's system) to immersing yourself
in a natural setting (accessing emotional and holistic preferences).
Two other theories are also worthy of note: The 4MAT System of
Learning styles developed by Bernice McCarthy is derived from the Kolb
learning cycle and identifies four main types Divergers (Why questions),
Assimilators (What questions), Converges (How questions) and
Accommodators (What if questions). Studies have questioned the validity
of Kolb's model.
The VARK (Visual Auditory Reading Kinaesthetic) is another related
model. Whilst this shows some characteristics of a left-right
distinction, such as the presence of Visual and Kinaesthetic components
associated with the right hemisphere, it is more a model of perceptual
style rather than cognitive style. It does not address the different
modes of thinking exhibited by sequential/holistic styles.
The other is the, currently in vogue, Mayer-Briggs personality type
index. Here four axes are used to record a persons dominant personality
type: introversion/extraversion, sensing/intuitive, thinking/feeling and
judging/perceiving. This gives a total of sixteen different types.
Recent research (New Scientist, last year) has shown good correlation
with some of these types and the presentation of certain genes. There
are many other personality type theories and even C G Jung has got into
the personality type debate .
If a simplified form of Mayers-Briggs, without the
introversion/extraversion spectrum, is used it can be shown that it is
essentially equivalent to the HBDI after some rotation of coordinate .
In particular sensing/intuitive spectrum (openness to interpretation in
the Big 5 model), fits well with a simplified version of left-right
hemisphere specialization. It is worth expanding on this axis in more
detail:
Information can be gathered through sensation (S),
concentrating on facts and details, or through a more intuitive (N)
process that seeks and constructs patterns and uses a global or holistic
information gathering style
All the above models seem to echo some aspects of the left-right
specialisation. As an aside we will briefly examine some of the
underlying mathematical techniques used.
A Meta-Theory of Theories and Principal Component Analysis
Various correlations can be made between all these different theories
and also with left-right preferences in the brain. It could be said that
each theory shows a different aspect of the same fundamental variations.
The number four (or eight) also seems to be popular in these
theories. Perhaps this has more to do with the way we perceive
information rather the underlying science. For example: splitting things
into four quadrants allows two axis to be drawn which means that the
variations can be easily drawn on the page. Also it is commonly believed
that the maximum number of things we can hold in our short term memory
is six of seven. Having four types makes it easy for us to remember the
systems!
A mathematically more elegant theory would be to consider that there
are actually a very much higher number of variation, which maybe do not
nicely fit into convenient categories, perhaps related to individual
gene expressions. Indeed one researcher Guilford has identified over 120
factors to the structure of the human intellect .
Principal component analysis is a statistical technique used for
analysing data with a very large number of (correlated) variables. In
this mathematical operations are applied to the data to pick out the
dominant modes of variation. It is typically found that a large
proportion of the variation can be summarised by the first few modes of
variation. It could well be the case that the above theories have
stumbled upon some of these dominant modes, and other theories report
observations which are combinations of these modes. This opens up the
question that there may be more as yet undiscovered modes which have
weaker responses.
This type technique has been successfully applied to the multitude of
different personality test. Which has shown that most are subtle
variants on the Big5 test.
Critiques
The whole field of left-right specialisation has been received some
very vocal criticism.
"Brain scientists will tell you that the idea of a rigid divide is a
popular myth. They even have a word for the public's enthusiasm for the
subject: 'dichotomania'. Like 'modern phrenology' the word is a
put-down, intended to imply that the real situation is far too complex
for simple conclusions to be drawn." , emphasis mine.
I've found no substantial criticism of the underlying science, most
of the criticism seems to be of some of secondary works which draw
conclusions far removed from science. The word rigid in the above quote
is particularly important. It would be incorrect to say that anyone is
"left brained" or "right brained" or that a particular task is carried
out solely in one hemisphere. Its better to talk of general trends,
indeed results from Herrmann seem to indicate that most people have more
than one dominant mode . There is also a danger of concentrating one
particular aspect of brain behaviour and missing other more important
phenomena.
There is also a vigorous globalisation/localisation debate. Are
mental tasks carried out over the whole brain or in one particular area?
Hard and fast answers seem to be elusive. Brain scan techniques do seem
to suggest that certain tasks have greater levels of activity in
particular areas. But there can be difference in individual people
especially depending on handedness.
The idea of repressed intellect seems to be common in some of these
secondary works. With the idea that our intellectual capacity has been
repressed by school, and society, and that all we need is a few simple
techniques to let our creativity flow.
One particular book seems to be a favourite target for critiques:
"Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain: How to unlock your hidden
artistic talents" by Betty Edwards . A lot of the criticism seems to be
inspired by the title without a careful reading of the inside. Whilst it
does present a simplified view of the brain it does also have one of the
most concrete and convincing examples of technique specifically designed
to utilise certain brain functions. This is concerned with copying a
picture. Apparently, one of the problems with accurate drawing is caused
by our symbolic processing: we tend to use pathways similar to those
used for language to process images and copy images. This can result in
a cartoon style result. By the simple procedure of turning the picture
to be copied upside-down the symbolic processing is suppressed and very
much more accurate pictures result.
Gardner's work seems to have also drawn a lot of criticism . Much of
this stems around the use of the word "intelligence", where "interest"
might be a more appropriate term. Gardner defines "an intelligence" as
set of techniques used to solve a problem or produce a work (e.g. a
scientific theory or musical composition) . Personally I'm suspicious
over any use of the word intelligence, "learning style" (i.e. techniques
we use learn) seems a more concrete term to use. Other critiques focus
around the lack of evidence for results from the classroom.
I've found Gardner's work (actually Lazear's interpretation) to be
rather unsatisfactory. Certain parts of the classification seem to be
muddled, there seems to be no treatment of concepts of holistic (large
system, D quadrant) understanding. The work as a whole is void of any
critical analysis, instead treating the theory as a given.
Herrmann's work does not seem to have attracted as much criticism,
indeed when viewed as a representation of the Mayers-Briggs scheme there
seems to be overwhelming evidence for the general scheme. Critiques of
Mayers-Briggs (and by implication Herrmann) centre on the methodology
used rather than the underlying traits: the lack of falsifiability, the
possibility that subjects will give responses to enhance certain
characteristics they would like to have, and the dangers of
pigeonholing.
Educational Implications
If we accept the theory of left-right dominance and learning styles
then there are profound implications for education:
Most ... educators take the traditional view of students as being a homogenous learning group, with similar interest in [and] aptitudes for the subject. However, greater learning and understanding may be accomplished if the learning group is thought of as being heterogeneous, that is, highly dissimilar in interest and aptitudes.
These variations have implications throughout the process of
education:
Selection of appropriate courses: both those suited to the learning
style of student, but also those aimed at strengthening certain
aspects.
Methods of delivery of material: using techniques which appeal to a
range of senses but also with a mix of big picture and detail. Some
students may prefer to see the big picture first and then break it down,
other may prefer to study the details first working up in a logical
manner to more involved material.
Activities that appeal to and strengthen different styles.
Assessment methods that reward different styles but which also
stimulate different modes of thinking.
Awareness of a students learning styles may help in tailoring a
course, although there is a danger of pigeonholing. These need no
necessarily be through a formal questionnaire, a teacher may become
aware of the styles as they work with the student, showing a good
differentiation. Initial assessment such as the VARK test may be useful,
but reaction to this at St Austell seems to be mixed:
We don't use the VARK results much as they generally give multi-modal results" Anon.
There seems to be a problem with what to do with the results to the
once they are collected. How do we use these results to inform our
teaching?
Awareness of their own preferred styles can be a useful tool for
teachers: do they tend to work with a particular style? Could other
techniques be used in their teaching? How much are their own ideas of
education influenced by their preferred styles?
For example when asked the question "What is wrong with education?" a
left brained thinker would typically reply, "Get back to basis and
discipline - get rid of unnecessary frills like sport and art". A
right-brained thinker would rather suggest cooperative, hands on
educational activities, including integrating social and creative
activities into the whole of education.
And perhaps more importantly how do they react to students with a
different style?
Some good examples of very different educational styles can be found
in the field of introductory IT.
The European Computer Driving License (ECDL) lies strongly in a
quadrant B learning and assessment style. The course material consists
of a very step-by-step approach: "type this text", "click this button".
The assessment follows a similar style: make this heading bold, and a
paragraph here. As such it may be appropriate to many learners, who
comprise much of the intended client group, but it might not be suitable
to others. Furthermore, it does not address all the skill necessary for
fully successfully using a computer, issues like how to design a
document or application, or how to successfully navigate the very
diverse nature of the Internet.
This can be contrasted with the Open College Network's introductory
IT course and assessment. The assessment were heavily based around
portfolio building with a criteria referenced making scheme. This more
open ended system address a broader range of skills and are closer to
how a computer will actually be used. This did require greater input
from the teacher and cross-referencing work pieces with criteria can be
a confusing process.
Conclusions
The biological understanding of how two the two hemisphere of our
brain function has now reached general consensus. There is still much
work to do, particularly on the differences observed between individuals
and understanding all the brain processes involved on cognition. We may
never find the localisers dream of every pattern of though can be
located into specific areas, things are more likely to show some
combination of local and global processing. No doubt much more will be
found this century as techniques of functional brain imaging and genetic
understanding improve.
There also seems to be a convergence of the different models of
learning styles and personality, which all seem to echo some flavour of
left-right specialisation.
However, it probably unwise to make too much of a causal link between
biology and learning styles as it can lead to polarised ideas that we
are either a left-brained or right-brained thinker. In reality we show a
mix of different styles influenced as much by past experience as by
biology. The theory gives us just one dimension to describe the vast
range of difference in peoples thinking.
These theories, which have been around for the past thirty years, do
raise many important questions for education. Has the educational system
responded? There is some evidence that it has: there is a wider range of
activities used in the class room. But there is still much to address:
we still have high numbers of students who do not respond well to
education, is this a learning styles issue?
For me studying this issue has been an interesting journey. It has
focussed my attention on the different modes of thinking and styles used
by the different authors. For example Lazear seems to use a very visual
style, trying to describe all aspects of learning, but little critical
analysis. Other authors are of a more critical persuasion often
presenting their work in a more linear fashion. This raises questions
about how to judge each work: is it just a reflection of the favoured
modes of the authors and should these be judged by other criteria?
It has also caused me to think about the range of skills used in
writing this essay:
Accumulation of information
Critical analysis of the sources
Fitting the information into a coherent whole
Filtering the information
Presenting the information in a sequential manor
Attention to detail and time management
These seem to address a wide range of techniques across both side of
the brain.
At one point I had hopped to look at how Dyslexia fitted with this
scheme, however time and space precluded this. Intriguingly the two
examples of quadrant D thinkers in Lumsdaine: Einstein and De-Vinci are
both also listed as dyslexic and left-handed. One study seems to
indicate that there is a relationship but its far from clear and seems
to indicate that dyslexics may not be a coherent grouping showing
bi-model results in two laterilazation tests.
To end I would like to finish with a cartoon from Scot Mc Cloud's
"Understanding Comics" . For me this illustrates much of a "right-brain
style": strongly visual, and big conceptual concepts. If only all
education was done this way!
References
Brain Biology
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D Falk, Braindance, Henry Holy, New York, 1992.
Sala, Sergio Della, editor. Mind myths: Exploring popular assumptions about the mind and brain. J. Wiley & Sons, New York. 1999.
Learning Styles and personality types
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Nutt, P.C. (1989). Making Tough Decisions. Jossey-Bass, San Francisco, CA.
B. Edwards, Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain, Fontana/Collins, 1982.
J. J. Taschetta, J.R. Achor, The Whole Brain Approach in Teaching Engineering Technology, 1990 ASEE Conference Proceedings, Vol. 1, (1990) pp 311-316.
B. Keffe, D. Swinney, On the relation between Hemispherical Specialisation and developmental dyslexia. preprint, 1979.
S. McCloud, Understanding Comics, Kitchen Sink Press/HarperCollins. 1993.
Citation
You can cite this work as:
R. J. Morris (2006)
Left Brain, Right Brain, Whole Brain?
An examination into the theory of brain lateralization, learning styles and the implications for education.
PGCE Thesis, Cornwall College St Austell,
http://singsurf.org/brain/rightbrain.html
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Readers comments
no activity in left side of a babies brain
Mabel Hearn
Tue Mar 27 2007
If they say there seems to be no activity in the left side of a 3 week old baby, does this mean that he will not be able to learn to talk? Please tell me this answer. Thank you Mrs. Mabel Hearn. My email address is djhmah66@verizon.net I really need an answer please if you can help me. Thank You Mrs. Mabel Hearn.
right eye processing in left brain way
Thu Apr 19 2007
Since each eye sends input to both sides of the brain (outer half of one eye sent to opposite side and nasal half sent to same side), what evidence supports the right eye processing in a left-brain way? I am writing a book, Eye Yoga, or How You See is How You Think. This question is very pertinent to it. Can you help?
Jane Battenberg jane@changewithin.com
GOING BY THIS LOGIC I SHOULD HAVE NEVER PASSED HIGH SCHOOL.
I AM PhD.
EXPLANATIONS?
thank you
R. Douglas
Sun Sep 9 2007
i found this page very helpful in satisfying my curiosity for how the mind works. I have heard many things about right brain vs. left brain theories and most of them have been somwwhat biased. i enjoyed reading this page because i found it to be very ubiased, easy to understand, and presenting the facts to the reader so that persdonal opinions can be formed. Thank you.
when brain are chances for me?
nabin koirala
Tue Oct 9 2007
well i finist for this page n i will gone far this page is best of my world i can-t say becoz i well tell again mind is god gift any one are all n i say when god chatched for meokey so finely was a betters thank you so much
Learning Preferences
Razali Hassan
Thu Nov 22 2007
* Individual learnt in a different ways. They response differently with different material. Their thinking styles will keep changing everytime different material they looks. This happen in brain theory. Changing when receive different signal from sensors. Therefore it is possible to predict that Learning preferences begin from Brain based function. However, there were always exist 'dominance preferences' at a time. Therefore it is reliable to says that Individual was always different.
Thats amazing information
Pranav Prakash
Mon Dec 17 2007
It is amazing information, i got to know my brain in more details
Heredity? Explanation?
Mary Lambie
Mon Dec 31 2007
Both my son and I have had several independent tests to determine right/left brain dominance.
Oddly, each time we are graded both brained...or mid/whole brained. I have a cousin, who has an IQ of 186, who is also in our situation, though I do not want to suggest my son or I are of that intelligence. Just curious. Any explanation?
wow.. I LOVE THIS WEBSITE. IT'S VERY EDUCATIONAL!
MaryAnne Cambell
Sat Jan 26 2008
This website is very educational. My daughter is doing a science fair
project similar to this and this website is helping her a lot. But, i
have one concern reguarding this website. There isn't enough information
on the human brain. that's a dissapiontment. At first, i was very
happy about this website and i thought it was a big help to my daughter.
But now.. i am very dissapointed about this website. You people have gotten
me very very very very very very very very very very very very very very
very very very very V-E-R-Y!!! MAD. this website is a H U G E dissapointment
to me.. U-R-G-H
Excellent reproduction of a well documented theory of RogerSperry
Dr. S.N.Chaturvedi
Fri Feb 1 2008
Well researched work,which couldlead to more R&D in this field. We do need to know ourselves and work towards reaching out to people
With the helpof these parameters the Universal theory of Interactive process leads to major gains in all facets of life.
Good luck
GOING BY THIS LOGIC I SHOULD DROP HIGH SCHOOL AND MY PhD. EXPLANATIONS?
Right/Left -- both
Tue Feb 19 2008
Coming from the perspective of a person who fit's into the "both" category of the right/left/both dominance argument, I can honestly say that to some extent I'm glad this article exists and to the other extent I think it is missing a few major points. I was "diagnosed" with mixed dominance at the age of 7 (yes the Dr. did tell my mother it was a diagnosis) and now quite a few years later I not only have a BA in computer science but a Master's of Divinity as well. My struggle has not been easy but it's been well worth it. I am fortunate that I can handle the "science" focus as well as a "liberal arts" focus but more importantly I find ease in seeing more than one way to complete a task and even seeing the "two sides to every story." While this gift has presented some interesting challenges in my life -- my "mixed dominance" is a blessing that I would not change. To those who find that this article does not "meet their need for understanding" -- I recommend doing a little research including utilizing the resources listed above.
Gives me better understanding
Karen Mackintosh
Fri Mar 7 2008
I had a severe head injury, which left me unable to do certain things. My
doctor explained how some of my motor skills had been affected but I now
understand how it has also affected my intellectual and emotional capabilities.
There are still some motor skills that I need to improve and I can start
improving on the emotional and intellectual skills which were affected.
Left Brain and Hypnosis/Hypnotherapy
Wed Apr 2 2008
Well I have a very long story to tell, but I'll cut it short. I have a high IQ well did have as a child and as far as tests show Im Bi-Lateral
With advanced Mathematic & Logic Skills. But a serious problem happened when I had 3 Hypnotherapy sessions to do with my being Lefthanded.
The therapist wasnt aware that I was left handed & to treat my so called nuerosis as he was an old Skool type
& actually not much cop, but what he did was instruct me to stop using my Left side of the brain & only Use my right. Get a new perspective. The results were damaging.
But having discovered the site today & reading other articles I was able to discover my UNIQUENESS & I basically this morning cured myself of language time and physical problems that Ive had for 7 years.
So thankyou VERY VERY Much! :D
Now all I have to do is remind myself of my Left side & I feel Alright!
And WARNING - NEVER try Hypnosis! SERIOUSLY -DONT
Possible Encephalitis
D.B.
Thu May 15 2008
I was 12 when I had an illness that was not diagnosed as encephalitis.
This was back in the 70's. I realized shortly after something happened, however my parents thought I was just joking around.
I had forgotten how to make my bed! For over 2 1/2 years after, I was physically a wreck and phys ed teachers called me lazy.
In acedemic class, I struggled (private school) and was way in over what I
could work at. Today, I see that my difficulties may have been caused by
encephalitis - Alegebra problems, depression, difficulties following verbal
instructions/or written if complicated, problems dealing with stress.
I have been having problems for many years and it is driving me to the
breaking point again!
MBTI
Dov Marcu
Mon May 19 2008
According to Jon Niednagel (brain typing),the J/P dimension fits with the left/right hemisphere lateralization.
Using both Left and right brain and mastering kersey-bates problem solving mode shifts can be done
J. Scherer
Wed Aug 20 2008
Using both Left and right brain and mastering kersey-bates
problem solving mode shifts can be done.
The key is non-emotional definition of love in the Bible as
a basis of rational thoughts which nearly everyone mistakenly
sees as full of emotion when it hints that love is a filter
for staying out of reasoning pitfalls by deep study of the
proverbs or sayings of the Bible to allow people to learn
slowly how to turn off offense as an emotion long enough
to analyze any situation for it true dangers and pitfalls and
low pay offs easily avoidable by shedding all fears out of
reasoning as they arise. Obeying only one fear which when
obeyed removes even that fear.
You also eventually see Gods active presence of supplying
all ones needs moment by moment. Have fun studying cause
it sure is great to know God is always right there where you are
with answers to every need piled around you. Life is dripping with
solutions everywhere and I was blind to that for 52 years until
I really wanted to completely commit utterly to Learning Gods way
to reason where within 10 years approaching the end of the fifty two
years, my awareness of Gods help ready by me deepened until I know
God IS.
Oh ya, There is a Devil and to get to that awareness of God ,there
is often a very great opposition to living for God way until you
truely commit utterly to God which takes a fairly long time cause
we often have many masks of what we really are( a child who likes
stealing cookies that hides them behind our back and lies to our
daddy who is God---a loved child which for that time until they
always confess when they break the rules often is very useless until
the child becomes honest cooperating with God to cleanup the problems created
by steal so many cookies. A father can't cleanup any mess a child
is continuing to make.
brain
lisa
Thu Sep 11 2008
what if you have one side of your brain normal size and the outher side the size of a 4 year old and moast of your matters missing ?
and one side of your normal and the outher side slanted and two of your matters missing?
brain
Thu Sep 11 2008
what if you have one side of your brain normal size and the outher side the size of a 4 year old and moast of your matters missing ?
and one side of your normal and the outher side slanted and two of your matters missing?
Regarding my childs brain
Hitesh Lilani
Tue Sep 23 2008
Hello,
I need to ask you regarding my daughter she is 11years old according to the doctors she does not have Corpus Callosum, from birth she finds it very difficult to remember things and cope up with her studies. Socially she is good but one cannot tell which event she will remember when. Can you please help me on this and give any remedies for the same, I would be really gratefull.
Thank you.
great article
Sonrisante
Sun Nov 30 2008
some of the comments are hilarios and entertaining when not taken seriously, but your article is a great introduction and survey of a deep topic.
Mixed-handed
Mr Gerrit H. Schorel-Hlavka
Wed Dec 17 2008
I have always been writing left-handed, and suffered punishment by teachers hitting me with their sticks for doing so (I am 61) but generally I am right handed with everything else. However, when it comes to having a feeling as to say throw a ball then it is left handed. When I served in the armed forces (NATO) I was right-handed with weapon usage. Playing footy (soccer, etc) was right handed for being accurate and power shots. Was it not for the teachers hitting me over the head for writing left handed I never had any problems in life with being mixed in usage. For example using power tools, lathes, and other equipment never has been a problem to me.
My wife tells me that she cannot understand how I can do various different things, switching back and forth, without any problems, and as such she never knows what I am doing, being it paving, carpentry, gardening, writing or whatever. I also find that when facing complex situation (such in management of factories) it amazes me why others can’t see how simple it is to resolve it, as to me the solution is at hand while others are confounded and it takes a lot of explaining for them to finally get the drift. When tested by a consulting management company I scored 97 (in overall on all subjects tested) out of 100. This was testing of managers/executives only and was given the understanding that this was extremely exceptional and might lead to a lot of frustration where others I had to deal with may lack this level of understanding and perception and would therefore need more time and explanations to comprehend what I was on about. While I dislike reading books I do write books (about legal matters) albeit I write in the manner I read and that is paragraphs subjects rather then a whole book subject. I also find that when I see someone do some kind of work, albeit I may only see some of what he was doing, I immediately can adapt this to do something different and my wife (again) often ask me how come I have this ability. It never was an issue to me to be left or right handed and more then likely I am driven by the part of the brain that feels me more comfortable to do something being it left or right handed. I do not even know which of my children are right or left handed because it never was an issue with me, as I left them to develop how it felt for them comfortable. If just my teachers had understood the right of a child to develop most suitable to the child!
Reference information
Nathan A. Knick
Mon Feb 16 2009
I was just curious if you could send the reference information for this web site to me.
Author, date and anything else you think would be helpful in properly siting this site.
Thanks
Nathan A Knick
Understanding the Brain
C.R.
Sat Feb 21 2009
After reading this article I found that it provided me with a clearer understanding as to how the world and other people are trying to understand and provide answers to the complexity of the brain.
I find that reading about all the theories, their results, and their criticisms, it appears that many people have different views and the evidence in to knowing detailed facts about the brain are
still quite vague. What was made clearer to me were the differences in the left and right hemispheres, the 4 quadrants, and how all these theories help in today’s education. “For me studying this
issue has been an interesting journey. It has focused my attention on the different modes of thinking and styles used by the different authors. For example Lazear seems to use a very visual style,
trying to describe all aspects of learning, but little critical analysis. Other authors are of a more critical persuasion often presenting their work in a more linear fashion. This raises questions
about how to judge each work: is it just a reflection of the favored modes of the authors and should these be judged by other criteria?” I believe this last statement made by the writer illustrates
the best overall view of what people should see in these theories and studies. And that is, that all authors of these theories use different methods and non are completely right or wrong, which is
important because they still gave rise to further understandings of the brain and its multiple complexities, which have helped in further developing other fields of life, such as education and the
difference between men and women or even the difference between the mentally disabled people and the mentally able people.
Understanding the left- right brain functioning
S.R
Sun Feb 22 2009
This article is very informative and seems to have a fine understanding of the basic brain, brain lateralization, learning styles and personality and educational implications. I found that the research of brain lateralization helped me have a better understanding of it, since I had difficulty understanding it before. It was very interesting to know that, “In most (97%) right-handed people language is controlled by the left hemisphere. Left-handers have a more even distribution of language in both hemispheres. In 19% this is concentrated in the left hemisphere, and in 68% it is concentrated in the right hemisphere, the remainder have language processing in both hemispheres” this intrigued me and I was encouraged to read on further. I also had a good understanding of the left and right hemispheres and their functions for each, such as the left hemisphere being the dominant side for language and the right hemisphere leaning more to the emotional side and some function that are shaded by both, eg: Sensations on both side of face, Sound perceived by both ears. The 4 quadrants were laid out in a simple manner which also made is easy to understand, and how all these theories help in the education of today. Even though this article has given a lot of information from different people, and has evidence for most theories it seems that the details about it are still quite unclear, seeing that there is still so much more of the brain to discover, “There is still much work to do, particularly on the differences observed between individuals and understanding all the brain processes involved on cognition”. Overall this article is very helpful and interesting and gives qualitative information about the brain and other information linked to the brain.
Understanding the Brain
Mon Feb 23 2009
M.K
The examination into the theory of brain laterilization, learning styles and the implications for education gave me a informative understanding of the human brain.The fact that the ratio of connections to processing unit is much larger in the brain than in a computer particularly intrigued me as this shows just how complex our brains are and how humans have such great capability.Learning that different parts of the brain control different variables such as grammatical processing, naming objects and recognition of visual symbols helped me understand the biological perspective a lot better. It was especially interesting to find out that the left and right are not completely seperated when it comes to what they control, some variables are shared with both sides. for example, 'sensations on both sides of the face,sound perceived by both ears, pain, hunger and position' are all controlled by the left and right hemispheres.Though the article provided has used many examples and theories it is still unclear as much of the brain is still to be discovered and analysed. However, the article has provided a sound over-view of the brain and has helped me understand it a lot better.
Comment
LMvV
Mon Feb 23 2009
This article was very interesting and very revealing. It gave a lot of information about the functions of the brain. I found it very interesting that our brain is actually not one whole, but 'two'. The results shown by Sperry's research (about what effects there are when the corpus callosum has been cut) gave some support for this. This research gave interesting results which "can be summarised by his quote: "Everything we have seen indicates that the surgery has left these people with two separate minds. That is, two separate spheres of consciousness" . '
I also found it very interesting that our brain is not only split into two hemispheres, but these hemispheres are again divided into four parts (lobes) which have different functions. Further is it fascinating that our personality and our learning styles are created by the ‘development of a dominant mode of thinking preference.’
Student project
Rich (webweaver)
Mon Feb 23 2009
Three extensive comments in as many day. I'm begining to suspect there might be a student project a
foot. If so please let me know.
Comment
LMvV
Mon Feb 23 2009
This article was very interesting and very revealing. It gave a lot of information about the functions of the brain. I found it very interesting that our brain is actually not one whole, but 'two'. The results shown by Sperry's research (about what effects there are when the corpus callosum has been cut) gave some support for this. This research gave interesting results which "can be summarised by his quote: "Everything we have seen indicates that the surgery has left these people with two separate minds. That is, two separate spheres of consciousness" . '
I also found it very interesting that our brain is not only split into two hemispheres, but these hemispheres are again divided into four parts (lobes) which have different functions. Further is it fascinating that our personality and our learning styles are created by the ‘development of a dominant mode of thinking preference.’
Overal, this article gave me a way better understanding of the functions of the human brain.
Understanding the brain
R.L.
Thu Feb 26 2009
The thing I found most interesting was the quote by Sperry saying, '"Everything we have seen indicates that the surgery has left these people with two separate minds. That is, two separate spheres of consciousness". Sperry stated that the brain does not function as a whole but is separated by two sides, the right and the left, where each side performs different functions. One of things that fascinated me the most was the extremity to which these two sides were different. ‘In most (97%) right-handed people language is controlled by the left hemisphere.’ From the theories explained in this article, I am able to associate reasons for certain skills that I have. I am left handed which means I use my right side of the brain more. This could explain why I am good at ‘copying designs, music, understanding geometric properties’. Although this article provides some evidence of the difference in functioning between the left and right side of the brain, there is still controversy. Although there appears to be an idea of general localization, there is still much more work to be done to end this debate and to see whether certain parts of the brain actually do carry out specific functions.
Comment
KGOMOTSO DIKOBE
Thu Feb 26 2009
Have found this page very educative and make it easy for one to understand him or herself and maybe to know which career path to follow.
response to Rich (webweaver)
S
Fri Feb 27 2009
ur suspicion is correct. we (the students of psychology class) had to read this article and write a comment about it [it would be marked by our teacher!]...this article would help us to understand 'biological perspective' in the field of psychology and to use this information in projects.
Comment
Sonia Henderson
Sun Mar 1 2009
Yes you presume correctly, I did set H/W to read and respond to your website as this is the topic we are currently covering in IB psychology.Well done to my students who added their comments and shame on those who didn't! Hope this was o.k with you and thanks for a such a useful website!:)
Left Brain, Right Brain, Whole Brain?
VB
Wed Mar 4 2009
I believe this website is a very good source, and I will be referring back to it frequently. There are a lot of examples, as well as relevant and interesting studies mentioned that can then be used for reference. What really interested me was 'one curious fact is that women tend to have a more active corpus callosum with 10% more neuron fibers. The level of connection will have a large impact on mental process'. I personally agree with this statement, as I usually state that women are smarter than men in various ways, and after reading this website I know that there is support for what I say. There are also things that interested me, things that i didn't know before I actually read the website, as there were a lot of researchers regarding brain intelligence and the idea of multiple intelligence by Howard Gardner. And last, but not least, I have to admit that I am a right-brained person, and the description that was given describes me only partially. I did some research and found that right-brained people tend to be intuitive, fantasy-oriented and non-verbal as well. To conclude, I think that this website opens up an idea for a bigger discussion about different hemispheres and brain in general, as until now humans do not know every single part in the brain, and there are still some things that scientists and researchers cannot explain.
Whole brain unless damaged
Helene
Wed Mar 25 2009
I like your summary of arguments and counterarguments for hemisphere dominance. It's a shame that many readers don't see the criticism and still believe to be guided by one side of the brain. It is VERY important to note that the comment of Sperry ("Everything we have seen indicates that the surgery has left these people with two separate minds. That is, two separate spheres of consciousness") is related to people with a cut corpus callosum, meaning severe brain damage and the cutting of the gigantic bridge between left and right.
Healthy people DO have a functioning bridge, thus information travels and is influenced by BOTH sides.
Say Manhattan was cut from the rest of New York City; it would just function as a separate city.
However, currently it IS NOT cut off and thus functions in a close harmony with the rest of the city, and in a more complete way than it would function on it's own.
Even though certain processes, such as language or orientation, are initiated and controlled mainly by one side of the brain, different areas in the same and the opposite hemisphere have substantial influence on these processes in healthy individuals and overall, your left side will be just as active as your right side. Some people might have more developed certain areas of the brain (pianists tend to have a larger motor-area for the hands, London cab drivers have shown to have an increased area where mapping and orienting is thought to be located); however this is not the same as being 'dominant', it just means you're good in something, or rather in these cases, that you have practised a lot.
So I repeat; everyone makes as much use of his/her left brain as of the right brain, any and all neurons that are leaved unused would not survive.
Furthermore I have a remark by your statement "Left-handers have a more even distribution of language in both hemispheres. In 19% this is concentrated in the left hemisphere, and in 68% it is concentrated in the right hemisphere, the remainder have language processing in both hemispheres”. This is not true. Only a small part of left-handed people have right-sided language; it is however about 5-20% larger than in right-handed subjects (depending on which study. See for instance Pujol et al., 1999 in Neurology(52) or check the link to search for interesting articles on left handedness and right-sided dominance).
You probably were confused with the highly significant correlation of left-handedness with right-hemispheric location of language. In this case it means that not most left-handers are right-hemispheric dominant for language but rather that many right-hemispheric language dominant people are left-handed, which might be in the range of 75%.
More than thirty years ago, I discovered the data and literature on not one but two "awesomely archetypal" split brain surgeries and constructed what may well still be the world's only quadrant assessment model and tool based solely on brain surgery results.
We called it The BrainMap®, and it was the foundation of what has become a whole stable of personal and team assessments, all of which are isomorphic, so to speak, to the total brain model we began with. That is to say, one of the most powerful advantages of using The BrainMap is that nearly all of our other tools are an adaptation of The BrainMap model. Once you've given a person or group The BrainMap, you can simply keep expanding their knowledge of themselves and others by giving them MindMaker6® (values and worldviews), The mCircle Instrument® (dilemma or conflict resolution style), PathPrimer® (purpose orientation) and, the Big Kahuna, Asset Report®: The Book of You (executive leadership orientation and general growth possibilities), and it all fits together. I don't know of anything else in the assessment field that is quite as comprehensive and ever-expanding and -illuminating as all this, and I'm pretty certain that there is nothing in the brain-based assessment field like this. Also, I've written (sometimes with colleagues) six books that illuminate how all this information and personal insight can be put to good use, including a sourcebook on The BrainMap called The BrainMap Workbook.
Anyone who is interested in this approach is welcome to visit our website at any time. www.brainmeup.com
My name is Bonita Widner an I was born with it so tell me what to do.
And I've trying to get my GED maybe someone can help me...
Bonita Widner
793 Yonts Fork
Jackhorn,Ky 41825
(606)855-4079
I have a left ,rigth brain learning problem.
Bonita Widner
Mon Aug 24 2009
My name is Bonita and I was born with a learning problem.I have a lot of
problems trying to read so if you can help me please do.
Very informative, long.
Jeanette Zook
Sat Sep 26 2009
I took the quiz (which led me to this website) re: whether I was male/female
brained, left, right or whole. The result was that I am: female-brained,
and whole-brained.
I graduated from high school with an A- average (the minus was in math, i.e.,
algebra). I was outstanding in literature, English and a rea whiz in
typing. I took a college course later in life, but couldn't handle
childcare, working full time and school altogether. Most of my working
life, I worked as a legal assistant in various law firms.
I have never had any formal training in the arts, but love them. I've messed
with painting and really enjoyed it, but needed coaching. Music: ah, my
love. I played piano, starting at age 4 and sang with the song I played. I
went on to play music with other musicians in church, and did a lot of
solo playing in different school programs all thru high school. I always
have felt I wasted my life, and I've always wondered what was really
my aptitude. I am now 70 years old and have a lot of regrets. I should
have done "something" with my life, although I still do not know what
it should have been.
visual spatial thinkers and dyslexia and creativity
Joie
Sat Oct 17 2009
I found this article quite interesting as I am trying to look at the right brain/left brain dichotomy as it pertains to conflict resolution. Two books you didn't mention,that you would likely be interested in are Dr. Linda Silverman's book Upside Down Brilliance, and Thomas West''s book, In the Minds Eye.
Left & Right Brain Implications for Education
Albert Haven, Ed.D.
Mon Oct 26 2009
Thanks for a very useful complilation of the theories and science of brain research. I agree with your assessement that regardless of the "proof" of any of the theories, it is clear that left/right and other dominace factors exist. In '69 (or so) I was an elementary principal and learned at a weekend conference of the existence of L/R brain dominance. On Monday, my teachers and I began to screen students for such dominance, and were able to observe that some students fit the pattern. We adapted the curriculum accordingly, and many of the identified students made drastic improvement.
The Institute for Instructional Management is continuing the work of helping schools develop multi-modal instructional techniques, along with flexible grouping strategies allowing different dominance based learning activities. The bottom line is that teachers are starting to look for such diferences, and trying to adapt instruction accordingly. As they gain experience, their skill in Formative Assessemen grows, and leads to quite sophisticated analysis and lesson design.
Your article is really going to be valuable for such teachers, giving them a framework based on understanding current research.
Our website is under development, hopefully up soon. www.instructionalmanagement.org
L/R Brain unification
MVP
Mon Nov 30 2009
I believe your all missing out on some key factors, that will help all who want it.
The majority of coments are only in reference to mostly Mental asertivness.
How about the Physical side, while being in this out of balance state lets take the majority of our population (Left brain)
99.99% of all left brain dominate people are weak on there right side, simple muscle testing will prove this. So with this inbalance, how would the Right side of our body measure up. If we were to measure the leg length of both side, would we not be shorter on our right side.
Now If non-releaved stress is the enviormental problem, and that most people are stuck in Flight or Flight stress responce that inhibits the bodys own ability to heal within.
This ongoing, and unrelieved stress is what disease, and most disorders stem from. To rub more salt in this open wound, we give doctors the license to prescribe symptom realief while the core issue is slowly degenerating our lifes energy.
I have been involved for 2 years with a process called ALPHABIOTICS. This simple technique balances the body with a patteren interupt (like rebooting a computer) instantly stronger on both sides and my stress has minimized greatly. Since doing this, my personal health has greatly inproved and many changes have occured to my overall benifit.
Please look into this site for more information, I would love to hear your side if reguardless.
Thank you for reading this
Left/Right Brain application is Emergency Management
Robert Roberson
Mon Dec 7 2009
I am interested in and commencing research in what if any impact Left/Right brain people have on decision making and the speed of decision making when confronted with an ongoing and fast moving Emergency/Disaster.
I'm particularly interested in the ability of Left and/or Right Brain thinkers to deal with decision making in major incidents in the areas of Incident Controllers, Operations, Planning and Logistics)and want to review some major disasters, particularly Bush Fires,the time lines of positive actions, focusing on time delays and indecision, (procrastination) as against Left/Right Brain thinkers in key positions.
site
Mon Jan 11 2010
thank you for such an informative page! I wish to use your references in faculty traingin I am organizing for a local college. Please let me know if this is not acceptable. I am giving reference to your site.
Mariah Martin
My Science Fair
Katie
Sun Jan 24 2010
Hello, I thought this had very good information and i used some of it and i put it in my research paper but don't worry, i cited it!
Left Handed / Right Handed
Phil Lehman
Thu Jan 28 2010
What is happening when I am both a lefty and a righty but only for a specific task. I eat with my left, write as a lefty, play tennis lefty; but golf righty, bowl righty, shoot archery righty, shoot a shotgun lefty...but shoot a pistol either hand but get confused as to which eye to close. Can someone explain?
left handed / right handed
john iverson
Wed Feb 3 2010
as for having similiar isuues with usage, i batted and caught in a manner entirely unfit for little league. What brought me to the site was a search for the effects of damage, such as cracked skull and "mild concussion" left side. At the age of 13. tow avenues of thought. first, that the grey matter/ white matter blend may have variative results as well. also i'd point out, sadly, that we have learned what trauma is and the many ways we are affected as children, for example. If sufficient soccer headballing or collision with a curb and falling from a bike...in short you may also be a bemused applier of " forced brainial adaptation "
Comment
shamilathevi
Mon Mar 1 2010
Just loved it. Was clear, concise and informative.
Learning Styles Helps identify learning strategy best suited for the two groups.
Mayers-Briggs? Kolb studies disproving?
Don Ayers
Wed Mar 24 2010
Hi
Do you mean Myers-Briggs in your essay?
And, you suggest that David Kolb's work is not valid: what studies show that, please?
Thanks
How to apply righ/left brain research to writing
Bonnie Lund
Thu May 13 2010
I'm a writing trainer and for years have introduced the simple right/left brain differences as they relate to writing. Is there any recent research on how writing practices differ from left-dominant and right-dominant writers?
Small Correction
JS
Tue May 25 2010
The personality types are by "Myers Briggs" not Mayer Briggs
thanks
Title of Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain
Betty Edwards
Mon Jun 7 2010
The author states that much of the criticism of my book centers on the title, which he presents as Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain: How to unlock your hidden artistic talents.
The author got the subtitle wrong. It is:
Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain: A course in enhancing creativity and artistic confidence.
The difference between the incorrect and the correct subtitle, is, at least to me, significant.
The author is correct, however, when he points out that from an empirical standpoint, methods described in my book do work, as Roger Sperry himself pointed out in a statement on the back cover of the original book.
Betty Edwards
Does typing/keyboarding instruction develop both sides of the brain?
Dr. Bill Morgan
Mon Jul 19 2010
In my profession I teach piano lessons and typing. I have begun to wonder whether there are any developmental effects on the whole brain that can be measured?
Doc Frog's Blog Discussion of best practices on computer keyboarding instruction.
A very interesting read, even the Comments, hilarious SPAM and all.
Temptom
Tue Jul 20 2010
It's funny about the last comment asking about typing, because I was thinking about that as well. Since both hands are in a co-operative effort of outputting a mixture of mental efforts. I suppose that kind of dovetails with overall gist of the article; much is known about the brain's division and co-operation of labor, but much is still not known. It was a very interesting and informative read, but perhaps in need of a second go through, there were several errors that seemed due to a lack of proof reading. Most spellcheckers will tell you if you incorrectly spelled something but not if you used a similar sounding word spelled correctly, IE, week instead of weak or basis instead of basics. It's nothing major, context usually makes the author's intent pretty clear. I'm just nitpicking. Thanks.
Comment on Dr. Bill Morgan's comment
carol J. Miller
Wed Jul 21 2010
I don't know if there are any developmental effects on the whole brain that can be measured,
but I'd like to learn more about that. I have a personal experience that could add to the
understanding. When I was a child I took piano lessons. Now, I come from a very creative
, artistic family. My brother is left handed and dyslexic and an artist. My son is also left handed
and an artist and photographer. I had difficulty with my piano lessons, however I was very successful
at typing! I seem to have an output challenge. I have a hard time getting the notes onto the piano with
the needed timing and rhythm.If I memorized the music and practiced it, I could play it. I could not
read it and play it from page directly to keys. But I had no problem typing quickly. I think as long as
my brain is not concerned with the rhythm(creative) side(like while typing)things flow. Its as if
that creative part is separate from the mechanical part. I am also an artist.I find I have difficulty
with written word directions, and spoken word directions, but give me a map with pictures and
I'm just fine! As you can see, I have compensated over the years and deal with words quite well. I
think this is a neat discovery!
Disagree a bit with the comparison of MBTI to Hermann
Sandy Cormack
Sun Aug 22 2010
There may be relationships between the Myers Briggs and Hermann instruments but I don't agree that criticism against one casts a negative light on the other.
Myers Briggs is a forced choice inventory that results in a dichotomous type preference. The Hermann model is not forced choice and the result reflects more of a 'strength of preference.'
That said, there are similarities in some of the dimensions. D-quadrant is clearly related to the MBTI 'intuition' and A-quadrant is connected to MBTI 'thinking.' C-quadrant is related to MBTI 'feeling' but not entirely so - according to Jung there is an introverted feeling that is focused on values, and the Hermann model doesn't speak to values. Also, the MBTI sensing is not related to the Hermann B-quadrant, although MBTI 'judging' may be.
Creativity test Creativity assessment with Innovation Styles
Oil into the fire
Mon Oct 4 2010
You can tell by your comments that people still don't get it. I'm often told it's "only possible for a few geniuses" to develop both "creative" and "logical" skills. Take web design, for example. Web design is a subset of both art and science. I have found it nearly impossible to convince "artistic" types that a web designer can be an artist. Conversely, I've found it difficult to convince programmers that a web designer can be trusted to think logically and understand technical limitations.
Both groups have a vested interest in believing that they, by virtue of being either "right brained" or "left brained," have a leg up on the other group when it comes to their particular specialization. "I just don't get (art/programming). I'm just a (left/right) brained person and my mind just doesn't work that way."
It's far too easy to draw these mistaken conclusions from poorly presented lateralization research. Not that yours is. And goodness knows people would cling to their impressions even if you put it at the top in huge red print.
@ Phil Lehman
Helen Taylor
Fri Feb 4 2011
You're mixed handed, like me. I pick labels off, tear tape off, do buttons up and unwrap CD's with my left, but do most tool use and write with my right. I can spanner with both, and sew with my right hand but many of the stitches I do in embroidery , I do backwards. I can touch type to 180 wpm, too! I also have the mixed handers very early memory - I can remember being in my stroller and can remember being lifted into a shopping trolley seat, which puts my early memories at about 2 and a half, with average very right or left handers being around age 5. I prefer to shoot left handed and do archery left handed, too. And when using a long handled brush, I show no preference which side I stand or which hand is highest on the handle. I'm an INTJ on the Myers Briggs, and the perceived personality fits me perfectly. Oddly I know no less than six NTJ's, either I or E, and they all work in science. I have a better than strong interest in science myself, and get on with that personality type FAR better than any other!
There are lots of advantages to being in the middle of the handedness spectrum!
Search for The Edinburgh Handedness Inventory but be careful. I only qualify on the broom handle, the other things I'm right handed. But I'm clearly left handed in some things, and pretty much like you are. It runs in families too, my father and his mother were both mixed handed.
HTH
Who is the author and I like it
Janey Edwards
Sun Mar 20 2011
I would like to quote from this article. Who is the author, please? I am a "brain profiler" in South Africa, using the NBI (Neethling Brain Instruments) model. My quest is to get educators to acknowledge how students think differently and to empower them to maximize their teaching through devising lessons that embrace all thinking and learning styles. It worked for me in my teaching career. It's amazing how this understanding makes teaching and learning so much more effective.
Comment
Dr.Parameshwari
Sat Jul 9 2011
BrainTrain asite on whole brain development program
legitimate?
Andy
Thu Aug 4 2011
It seems like this is good information, but I have to question whether or not someone who doesn't even proofread his article has taken the time to check his facts. The unbelievable amount of typos is quite distracting from the topic at hand.
Editing
Judith Jaffe
Fri Aug 12 2011
I found so much of interest in this article but almost couldn't read it due to the poor quality of the editing. i experienced a level of physical discomfort during the effort! what does that say about my brain?
HELP ME PLEASE
SAMA
Thu Sep 8 2011
i give you some info. and i want to know which talent i have more to work on and modify them.
in my CT scan hypo dense on left frontal of my brain is seen.i have had the problem work and do things by my right side of my body since childhood,
but it wasn't so significant that anybody can not distinguish it in person.
please help me to know my talent more.
well riddle me this
J Face
Thu Oct 6 2011
I was diagnosed with dyslexia in second grade I don't spell very well and math is a great challenge
I am great at painting pictures and I type well and fast. I cut hair I can change the clippers to either hand
and I can cut hair by looking into a mirror and not the actual person. I can play the piano
by ear and. I have above average writing skills according to a test I just took. and as a child
in first grade I tested at high school level for logic and reasoning. I switch from hand to hand
while painting. I am extremely verbal what am I? I have been trying to figure out my learning
dominance but I do not fit the statics for being more right brained I would love to get you input
Answer me please
rick
Wed Oct 19 2011
i'm a college student taking Engr. , i love math i understand it but sometimes i forgot a lot of formulas it's like i understand it today then after a week i can't then after a month i remember it again.
i can also play keyboard by listening or watching but i can't read the notes. sometimes i can solve hard problems but i can't solve easy problems sometimes i think i can solve hard problems ............. i try the spinning dancer brain test and first try i saw it spinning counter clockwise but when i looked at is again lately i saw it spinning clockwise . can expaline to me what kind of thinker am I?
Comment
Hans Dekkers
Thu Nov 17 2011
Dynaread Would you allow your children fighting symptoms of dyslexia? Say no. Follow us. We will help you in identifying causes of dyslexia symptoms for them.
worth a complaint?
bob
Wed Jul 18 2012
I'm not sure as someone with a MSc in Psychology and clinical experience which I find more frustrating a)the lack of coherent argument, poor referencing, just generally poor writing per se or b) the fact you have allowed numerous comments on here to go unmoderated, unedited and presumably unresponded to. What's more you state this article can be cited(which some comments seem to miss when they ask about citation) but this does not appear to be taken out of a thesis. It just appears to be a web article that you have written on the basis of a thesis. If this is the quality of your thesis no wonder people don't take teachers seriously. Yikes...
Left Brain, Right Brain, Whole Brain?
abstract painting
Wed Aug 1 2012
I was curious if you ever considered changing the structure of your website? Its very well written; I love what youve got to say. But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with it better. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having one or two images. Maybe you could space it out better?
Hi. I have been doing research on the vedas/tantra and would like to share findings which will enable anyone to change brain hemisphere dominance at will. www.breathsecrets.wordpress.com
Psychology
Chandini Bhoopal
Wed Jan 11 2017
Informative and analytical.Currently doing my research on Mind mapping, Learning styles and hemisphericity. Would appreciate links to other sites and scientific papers.
An opinion about this..
JD
Sun Sep 9 2018
After reading about the right hemisphere of the brain and the left hemisphere of the brain, Carl announces that it makes no sense to wear a helmet while he is skateboarding, because we all have an “extra” brain to spare. He announces, “I am ok as long as I have my left brain, since that’s the one that does all the talking!” Explain to Carl what life might be like without his right hemisphere, if he damages it severely. Assume that Carl is close to your age.
