Are You Left or Right Brain?

Right brain versus left brain learning has been a longstanding debate among other science theories around learning styles. Yet, the bottom line is that different parts of our brains take on different functions and tasks to help us learn. Just as some might have stronger upper arm strength over lower leg strength, our brains have their strengths as well. Developing exercises that target these areas can improve our comprehension, retention and efficiency in learning new subjects.
According to the infographic below by OnlineCollege.org, left-brain teachers may choose to lecture and assign independent problems while right-brain teachers may prefer hands-on activities and assign classroom projects. Students on the other hand, have right- and left-brain styles that determine how they best enjoy learning in the classroom.
The infographic suggests that right-brain learners should avoid lectures, while left-brain learners should work alone when possible to avoid group-work frustration. Are you left or right brain?
For more, view the graphic below:
Are You Left or Right Brain?
Via: Online College Advice

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2 Comments

SE Kelly
1/10/2012

To Quote the an article about neuroscience and education from the Washington Post, "We have known for at least 30 years that this characterization (left-brain/ right brain) is incorrect".
Please refrain from perpetuating incorrect facts. You along with many others (and I was one of them!) are making the mistake of interpolating from research in Neuropsychology and attempting to apply it to education. That's very sloppy thinking and degrades both education and neuroscience. Sorry, my friend but there's a pretty big gap between understanding how neurons develop and being able to apply this to teaching.
Please pick up a copy of Mind, Brain and Education and read it. You will learn something of value.
Also Please Google Dr. Daniel Willingham or
He also has a great Youtube video illustrating his explaination of why learning styles is a myth..
See
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/answer-sheet/daniel-willingham/willingham-the-leftright-brain.html
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/answer-sheet/daniel-willingham/willingham-3-brain-facts-educa.html
Also,
http://www.thepsychfiles.com/2009/03/episode-90-the-learning-styles-myth-an-interview-with-daniel-willingham/
If you need further verification, google Michael Gazzaniga, Ph.D. What a giant of a scientist!

Gretchen Knoblock
1/12/2012

I agree with Daniel Willingham- that left/right brain thinking is only part of the picture. And the word "styles" is often confused with the "ability or intelligence" And that determining the best approach to teaching content should come first, (either linear or wholistic),meaning, how a curriculum should be structured, followed by teachers using multiple sensory tools to help those (who take more instruction , ie; using wholistic ideas along with visual or textile tools to help a child who has a higher ability to think wholistically when learning something linearly).

Replies

Tom Vander Ark
1/15/2012

Thanks for the clarification Gretchen. As we learn more about motivational profiles in this decade, I think the variables that cause effort and persistence will prove to be important.

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