Brains have been the subject of research as long as anyone can remember. We do know that brains are universal. Every society has the same number of right or left brains.
The brain is not divided equally. The left side is larger and that is why so many people are right handed. However, being right handed does not mean that you are left-brained.
Learning Styles Are Universal
Patty Emerson, formerly of Hawarden, IA, is known for her studies in brain research. Emerson states that a 1996 study of seven countries showed that learning styles are alike on all continents. In fact, the proportion of left brain learners to right brain learners are not significantly different in any country. What is different is what each society honors.
Eastern and Western Hemispheres
Western society honors left brains, especially men. We hold them in high regard because they follow directions, do well on tests, sit still in school, seem to be organized, tend to be good business people, and are quite serious in nature. Right brains are honored in eastern society where creativity, empathy and spirituality are seen as important. While these traits are very well respected in eastern societies, it is very unfortunate to be a right-brained male in western society.
How Do Brains Develop?
Our brains are smooth when we are born. Brains begin to develop wrinkles when experiences occur. Repetition makes deeper wrinkles. The deeper the wrinkle, the more likely we are to remember things. That is why students that cram for a test at the last minute are not likely to remember the data on the test the following day. The wrinkle was not deep.This is also why people who learned another language as a child revert to the initial language when senile. The wrinkle was deep.
How Do We Become Left or Right?
Emerson states that all theories believe you are born either left or right brained. This will not change. The event is three fold:
- Born with it
- Environmental
- Choices made
The degree to which you are left or right brained, depends on the combination of these three, but the results are still left or right brained. Learn about some famous right-brained people.
Related article: Left Brains and Right Brains, Famous Right Brains
Read previous articles on Educational Issues.
Copyright article 2006 Barbara Pytel. All Rights Reserved.
