Right Brain vs Left Brain Learning - Research Paper Example

A fibrous tissue called Corpus Callosum connects the two hemispheres. Now if this connection is cut, the two hemispheres became independent and can think on their own. The different thinking approaches of the two hemispheres can then be studied. This was the basis of the split-brain research. However, the present advancement in the field of radiology such as CAT scans and MRIs have enabled scientists to view the activity of the brain without doing any invasive procedures. Seiji Ogawa is a prominent researcher who proved in 1993 that two hemispheres are not very distinct in their final processing. They both operate synchronously to perform a higher cognitive function (Duggan). Although there is a cooperation between the two sides of our brain we depend more on one than the other. So by understanding how the right and left brain react to any given input and then coordinates with each other, we can learn how to polish our dominant skills to obtain a more productive output. This differentiation of the brain is present from birth but early in life, they need good communication with each hemisphere, and localization is minimal as they grow up and learn different skills domination of a particular hemisphere takes place. (Fox et al).

How do they learn?

To understand how each side of your brain learns you need to understand their strength and function. The left side of our brain is logical and analytical, hence, it learns with critical thinking and reasoning. In contrast to that, our right brain is creative and expressive and best learns with the help of visual inputs, colors, and imagination. In addition, the right side of our brain identifies negative emotions more quickly, and the left side of the brain identifies positive emotions more quickly (Fox et al). Teaching institutions must understand these different learning potentials of our brains.

What are the teaching methods?

The orthodox teaching methods in schools are mostly left-brain oriented. A pre-planned syllabus followed by a strict schedule with daily verbal lectures and minimal deviation from the given timetable. A neatly spaced sitting arrangement with a disciplined classroom environment also suits the left brain. Half of the students are naturally right-brain dominant and very little is done to facilitate their potential. Now, this originates a conflict between the teaching method and the strength of a student. The fact that short-term memory resides in the left hemisphere and long-term memory resides in the right hemisphere further deteriorates the situation. Left-brain learning can provide temporary understanding to those students but they tend to “forget” what they have learned because the input is not visual or in a format that can be processed in the right hemisphere where it can be stored permanently. (Petty). Teaching methods may also vary according to the brain dominance of the teachers. For example, left-brain teachers prefer to assign research assignments and want them to be done independently. They prefer silence in class and are more organized. However, right-brain teachers add more visuals to their presentations and prefer hands-on activities.

The difference in learning Styles:

Generally, one hemisphere favors one of the other modes of learning. (Schulz). The right side of the brain is associated with creativity, body awareness, recognition of faces, and the imagination of a person. Those individuals with right brain dominance tend to be visual or spatial learners. (Schulz 2007). They are more comfortable dreaming and visualizing rather than reasoning out a topic. One of the key characteristics of right-brain learners is the need for a “big picture” from which they can narrow down to minor details. Everything needs to be interlinked with a clear meaning and purpose. Study shows that these individuals prefer listening to music while studying. On the other hand, Left-brain is associated with processing logical and organized ideas. Those individuals with left-brain dominancy are more analytical and time-oriented. Prefer isolation and silent environment to study (Fox et al). They like to disintegrate topics into segments and follow an ordered approach. Unlike right-brain students, they tend to work alone and avoid group work.

Whole Brain Thinking

It is very important to recognize your thinking pattern and understand your strength and weaknesses. Right-brain dominant individuals should understand the significance of left-brain thinking and should try to improve the weaker half. Left-brain dominant individuals should also realize that at a certain point, right-brain thinking becomes ‘logically’ important and is required to succeed further. By developing an equilibrium between these two sides of the brain we can achieve “whole brain thinking” which is the best way of learning and understanding concepts. (Schulz). Read More