The Science of Learning, Part 6: Right Brain vs. Left Brain
Are you “right-brained” or “left-brained”? Are girls controlled by one side of their brain, while boys are controlled by the other?
For a while, the concept of left and right brain dichotomy was ingrained in our pop culture, with left-brainers claiming math superiority and right-brainers reveling in their creativity. However, the psychology experts at About.com now believe the brain is not nearly as dichotomous as once thought. For example, recent research shows that brain performance is often strongest when both halves of the brain work together, communicating through the corpus callosum.
The right-brain-left-brain theory originated in the work of Nobel Prize winner Roger Sperry, who discovered that cutting the corpus callosum could reduce or eliminate seizures in patients with epilepsy.
However, severing the communication pathway between the two brain hemispheres often led to specific cognitive and speech-related difficulties. With analysis of these difficulties, Sperry concluded that language was controlled by the left side of the brain.
Generally speaking, Sperry wasn’t wrong – the brain’s left hemisphere tends to govern many aspects of language and logic. The right side tends to handle spatial information and visual comprehension. Note that we say “tends to.” Current findings and theories about brain function are far from absolute. There are always exceptions and fine distinctions. For the sake of this article we’ll “tend to” oversimplify, with the understanding that the information is stated in generalities.
Symmetry?
What’s the purpose of our two brain hemispheres and how do they work? Early in our embryotic development, we take on a left-right symmetry, manifested with two eyes, two legs, etc. All vertebrates have this symmetry, and so do many invertebrates.
Although the two brain hemispheres appear to be physiologically almost identical, they do perform a fairly distinct set of operations. LiveScience.com tells us that the right hemisphere controls the muscles on the left side of the body, while the left hemisphere controls the muscles on the right side. In general, the left hemisphere processes what you hear and manages most speech-related functions. It's also in charge of carrying out logic and sequential math computations. When you need to retrieve a fact, your left brain pulls it from your memory.
The right hemisphere is mainly in charge of spatial analysis, face recognition and processing music. Its math functionality is limited to estimations and comparisons. The right brain also helps us comprehend visual imagery and make sense of what we see. When it comes to language, the right brain steps in when we interpret context and tone.
Other generalized hemispheric specialties include:
Right Brain
- Reality-based vs. abstract
- Processes in a holistic, big-picture way, vs. step-by-step
- Benefits from visual aids, concrete images and handling objects
- Multi-dimensional – can comprehend a subject on many analytical levels
- Thinks emotionally, intuitively, creatively, globally and analytically
- Involved in music, art, drawing, athletics and coordinated physical movement
- May be naturally mechanically-minded
- Remembers faces, places and events, but not names
Left Brain
- Thinks in abstract letters, numbers, written words and formulas
- Involved in mathematics, reading, spelling, writing and sequencing
- Is strongly verbal and reacts best to verbal input
- Handles sequencing of numbers, letters, words, sentences and ideas
- Sees the parts within the whole first
- Can process both concrete and abstract ideas
Gender and Right-Left Brains
Last week our Science of the Brain segment focused on the difference between male and female brains, with respect to brain physiology, chemistry, and white vs. gray matter. Left and right-brain processing comes into play, as well. BrainFitnessforLife.com explains that generally men/boys are left-brain dominant, while women’s/girls’ brain functions tend to be more evenly balanced between the two hemispheres. This difference would account for the female tendency to be somewhat more intuitive than males, and often more verbal, or language-oriented. Men are often more task-oriented than women, and tend to think sequentially, focusing on logic vs. emotion.
Divide and Conquer
Of course, the human body is bi-lateral for a reason, and is designed for both halves to work together. "Brain asymmetry is essential for proper brain function," Professor Stephen Wilson of University College London told Live Science. "It allows the two sides of the brain to become specialized, increasing its processing capacity."
In Discover magazine, scientist Carl Zimmer added, "The pop psychology notion of a left brain and a right brain doesn’t capture their intimate working relationship… Their delicate balance of symmetry and specialization is now woven into the very essence of human nature.”
We hope you’ve enjoyed this Science of Learning series as much as we’ve enjoyed presenting it for you. Our aim has been to provide an educational resource that enhances your understanding of brain function, and provides practical ideas for applying this science in your teaching approach.
Want to see more series like this? We’d love to hear your ideas. Lisa Neihouse sent us her suggestions, as part of our special promotion, and she has won a $25 donation through Adopt-A-Classroom.org, to use toward classroom supplies. Congratulations to Lisa, and thanks for participating!
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Find our previous Science of Learning installments here:
Part 1: Neuroscience – What’s It Mean to You?
Part 2: How the Brain Learns
Part 3: How Emotion and Mindset Affect Learning
Part 4: Brain Plasticity at Different Ages
Part 5: Do Girls’ Brains Differ from Boys’ Brains?
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