Brain Hemispheric Characteristics

An important factor in understanding learning styles is understanding brain functioning. Both sides of the brain can reason, but by different strategies and one side may be dominant. The left brain is considered analytic in approach while the right is described as holistic or global. A successive processor (left brain) prefers to learn in a step-by-step sequential format, beginning with details leading to a conceptual understanding of a skill. A simultaneous processor (right brain) prefers to learn beginning with the general concept and then going on to specifics.

People think and learn in different ways. In any group there will always be evidence of different learning characteristics, but different cultural groups may emphasize one cognitive style over another.

Left brain - verses - Right brain

Left Brain :
Language - verbal / language - words And their meanings are stored here and retrieved for this side.		 Right Brain :
Non-verbal - responds to tone, music, touch, feelings.
Reading :
Uses phonetic skills.
Learning :
Analytic approach.
Logic :
Uses a rational and analytic approach to solve problems and reach conclusions.
Sequential :
An orderly approach, arranges actions, events in consecutive order.
Systematic & Formal :
Process information methodically and orderly, follows the rules.
Mathematics :
Good with numbers, counts, computes and solves problems.
Rational :
Uses factual data and reasoning to arrive at conclusions.
Factual :
Deals with details, specifics, items, particulars.
Abstract :
Theoretically, oriented, intellectual, idealistic, representational.
Linear :
Thinks in terms of sequence, leads to convergent conclusions.
Practical :
Concerned with cause and effect, purpose and use, abides by the rules.
Temperal :
Keeps track of time, thinks in terms of past, present and future, usually very punctual in meeting deadlines.		 Reading :
Uses sight method (whole Word)
Learning :
Experiential, visual, observing.
Intuitive :
Follows feelings, hunches, heaps to conclusions. (which are usually correct).
Random :
Picks, chooses, recalls and arranges events and actions haphazardly.
Casual & Informal :
Processes or uses information on basis of need, interest or time-based on personal priorities.
Spartial - Visual :
Uses imagery, pictures, symbols, graphics, relates parts to whole.
Emotional :
Responds to feelings before reason, shows feelings easily, either good or bad.
Imaginative :
Uses imagery, symbolism, fantasy, guessing "what - if's" plays.
Concrete :
Relates to things as they are, explicit, precise.
Holistic :
Sees things as a whole, sees the overall pattern, leads to divergent ideas.
Originative :
Creative, imaginative, explorative, ideas and theories, not bound to rules.
Nontemporal :
Little or no awareness of time, marchers to their own drummer, difficulties with deadlines.

NDRF Hawaii 2002 LBCTNZ