Right Brain - Left Brain
Whose side are you on?
In the 1960s Robert Ornstein and Roger Sperry made important advances in our understanding of how the brain works. They discovered that the brain is divided into two halves, or hemispheres, and that different kinds of mental functioning take place in each. Thus, in most people the left hemisphere operates sequentially and deals largely with 'academic' activities, such as reading, arithmetic and logic. By contrast, the right hemisphere operates holistically and deals more with 'artistic' activities, such as art, music, colour and creativity. Since then there has been considerable interest in the implications of these discoveries. Traditionally, education has placed emphasis on (dominant) left brain thinking; but increasingly it is being recognised that the involvement of both brains can make dramatic improvements in learning. It is also suggested that a synergistic principle operates between the hemispheres, with the functioning whole brain being significantly greater than the sum of its parts.
Left Brain
Right Brain
Logical
Random
Sequent ial
Int uit ive
Rat ional
Holist ic
Analyt ical
Synt hesizing
Object ive
Subject ive
Looks at part s
Looks at wholes
How Right-Brain vs. Left-Brain Thinking Impacts Learning Most individuals have a distinct preference for one of these styles of thinking. Some, however, are more whole-brained and equally adept at both modes. In general, schools tend to favor left-brain modes of thinking, while downplaying the right-brain ones. Leftbrain scholastic subjects focus on logical thinking, analysis, and accuracy. Right-brained subjects, on the other hand, focus on aesthetics, feeling, and creativity. Curriculum--In order to be more "whole-brained" in their orientation, schools need to give equal weight to the arts, creativity, and the skills of imagination and synthesis. http://www.jwelford.demon.co.uk/brainwaremap/lrbrain.html
Type of Right Brain Cognitive Processing
Brief Description
Type of Left Brain Cognitive Processing
Brief Description
Holistic
Processing information from whole to part; sees the big picture first, not the details.
Linear
Processing information from part to whole; in a straight forward logical progression.
Random
Processing information with out priority, jumps form one task to another.
Sequential
Processing information in order from first to last.
Concrete
Processes things that can be seen, or touched - real objects.
Symbolic
Processes symbols an pictures; likes to use letters, words and mathematical symbols.
Processes information based on whether or not it feels right know answer but not sure how it was derived.
Logical
Processes information piece by piece using logic to solve a problem.
Nonverbal
Processes thought as illustrations.
Verbal
Processes thoughts and ideas with words.
Fantasy Orientated
Processes information with creativity; less focus on rules and regulations
RealityBased
Processes information based on reality; focuses on rules and regulations
Intuitive
8
Here are examples of right and left brain processes we use when engaging on learning activity. You may recognise traits of your own approach, most likely it will be a mix of these processes. You can test your preferences on this website‌. http://brain.web-us.com/brain/braindominance.htm