Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Left Brain vs. Right Brain learners
The teacher should understand the different learning style between boys and girls. Girls tend to learn more with their left brain and boys with their right brain. The left brain dominate learners, usually girls, learn by sequence, parts to whole, phonics, letters, words, symbols, reading about it, detailed and orderly, internal focus, structure and predictability. The right brain learner, usually boys, learn random, whole to parts, whole language, pictures, graphs, charts, experiencing it, spontaneous and impulsive, external focus, surprises, and novelty. In my perspective, the teacher should utilize both left brain and right brain learning styles. This way the student will be able to learn retain the information that is beign taught. Here is weblink to give more information: http://www.funderstanding.com/right_left_brain.cfm
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
I agree with the information provided in this site about left brain and right brain learners. However, I also believe that children can reach into either side of the brain when necessary for any type of activity in which they are engaged in. I also agree that individuals have their own preference and learning style. It was interesting and informative for me to read about how we can foster a "whole brain." In order to obtain this equal emphasis needs to be provided in all areas of learning. For example, creativity, the arts, reading, and various other areas and skills are all included in fostering a "whole brain."
The concept of right brain and left brain thinking developed from the research in the late 1960s by Roger W. Sperry, an American psychobiologist. He discovered that the human brain has two very different ways of thinking working independent of each other. One (the right brain) is visual and processes information in an intuitive and simultaneous way, looking first at the whole picture then the details. The other (the left brain) is verbal and processes information in an analytical and sequential way, looking first at the pieces then putting them together to get the whole.
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. Left-brain scholastic subjects focus on logical thinking, analysis, and accuracy. Right-brained subjects, on the other hand, focus on aesthetics, feeling, and creativity. Also for a more accurate whole-brained evaluation of student learning, educators must develop new forms of assessment that honor right-brained talents and skills.
It is true that teachers should take into consideration that not every student learns the same. Every classroom will have those that are right-brained and left-brained, male or female, even left handed and right handed students. This is what makes classrooms unique. To encourage a more whole-brained experience, teachers should use instruction techniques that connect with both sides of the brain.
I totally agree with the importance of teachers considering the whole-brain approach to educating children when planning lessons. It also helps to integrate creative experiences across the curriculum. Awareness of the difference between left and right brained learners may also help teachers respond to students with certain learning disabilities, such as dyslexia.
Post a Comment