Left-Brain vs Right-Brain
According to scientific researches, a human brain has two distinct hemispheres of thinking.
“Left brain” – processes information in a logical and sequential way. Looking first at the details then at the whole picture.
“Right brain” – processes information in an intuitive and simultaneous way. Looking first at the whole picture then at the details.
In general, lower level school subjects tend to focus more on left-brain modes of thinking i.e. on logical thinking, analysis, and accuracy. Higher level subjects will require an inter-play of both sides of the brain, that includes the right-brain on lateral thinking, aesthetics, feeling, and creativity.
For example, low level mathematics follows a set way of tackling a problem, and high level mathematics requires creativity to tackle and solve more complex problems. Similarly for English and all the other subjects.
Students who are left-brain dominant and do not develop their right-brain, could encounter difficulties at University level, when they’re expected to become creative in a logical field.
Gifted and talented people often develop both modes of thinking…. that’s the way to excel!
What's Your Brain Game?
How you think affects how you best take in information, process and learn. Knowing a bit more about your thinking process can help you achieve better grades. To achieve good academic results, you should be aware of which side of the brain you naturally use and then develop the other half. There’re plenty of sites for you to work out which part of the brain you use. Simply do a search for “left right brain test.”
Your Dominant Brain Type and Study Tipsby Grace Fleming
Are you very organized? Do you believe that there is a right way and a wrong way to do everything? Do you enjoy maths homework more than English homework? If so, you may be left-brain dominant.
Left Brain Study Tips
- Study in a quiet room
- Read chapter headings first – absorb – then read text
- Take the lead when in a study group
- Join a debate team or academic competition
- Participate in scholarly competitions
- Challenge yourself with maths puzzles
- Choose non-fiction for your book reports
- Colour code your notebooks
- Don’t argue with your teacher too much – you tend to try to correct others!
- Choose to do analytical essays when you have a choice
- Work alone when you have a choice – you get frustrated with others who “clown around”
- Take more risks – don’t be afraid to be creative
Are you the creative type? Do you get bored easily when teachers lecture for more than thirty minutes at a time? Do you feel like you can size up people easily by watching them? If so, you may be right-brain dominant.
Right Brain Study Tips
- When you have a choice, pick personal essay assignments
- Watch your daydreaming
- Let your imagination work for you in the arts
- Go with your gut – it’s usually right
- Let your deep thinking work for you during essay tests – but don’t ponder too long
- Be creative with essays – you can use colourful language well
- Use images and charts when you study
- Try to be organised
- Choose fiction for your book reports
- Put information into categories for better understanding
- Avoid getting bogged down by thinking of all possibilities when answering questions
- You’ve so much talent, but you don’t always complete things
