Us Right Brained Folks...

They say left handed people are the only people in their right minds... Well my grama smacked my hand everytime she saw the pen in my left, forced the right hand to do the work, but my brain compensated by allowing the poetry to come out right (get it?)

To quote Dan Pink, " . . . the 'right brain' qualities of inventiveness, empathy, joyfulness, and meaning - increasingly will determine who flourishes and who flounders."

Right Brain vs. Left Brain

Definition

This theory of the structure and functions of the mind suggests that the two different sides of the brain control two different "modes" of thinking. It also suggests that each of us prefers one mode over the other.


Discussion

Experimentation has shown that the two different sides, or hemispheres, of the brain are responsible for different manners of thinking. The following table illustrates the differences between left-brain and right-brain thinking:

Left Brain
Logical
Sequential
Rational
Analytical
Objective
Looks at Parts

Right Brain

Random
Intuitive
Holistic
Synthesizing
Subjective
Looks at wholes


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.


How Right-Brain vs. Left-Brain Thinking Impacts Learning

Curriculum--In order to be more "whole-brained" in their orientation, schools need to give equal weight to the arts, creativity, and the skills of imagination and synthesis.

Instruction--To foster a more whole-brained scholastic experience, teachers should use instruction techniques that connect with both sides of the brain. They can increase their classroom's right-brain learning activities by incorporating more patterning, metaphors, analogies, role playing, visuals, and movement into their reading, calculation, and analytical activities.

Assessment--For a more accurate whole-brained evaluation of student learning, educators must develop new forms of assessment that honor right-brained talents and skills.



Left brain thinkers are good readers (discrete input/processing). Rightbrain thinkers prefer pictures (holistic input/processing). Other leftbrain thinkers prefer conversations and like to tell jokes and "warstories" (discrete input/processing). Right brain thinkers prefer music (holistic input/processing). Left brain thinkers analyze (break downinto discrete parts); right brain thinkers synthesize (build wholes). Left brain thinkers are present-oriented, quick thinking and reactionary. Right brain thinkers are future-oriented, "deep" thinking and imaginative.


Although we are all highly creative right-brain thinkers, we recognize that tactics must be rooted in strategy. And at the end of the day, a strong brand is critical. So healthy dollops of left-brain logic provide the focus for our creativity. For us, planning is a way of thinking, a unique way of looking at the world, whatever the challenge. (Jess Armont Communications Mission Statement)