Left-Brain Vs Right Brain Theory

Can one be considered left-brained or right-brained? Recent findings prove that no, one cannot. Before doing research on this topic, a person may think they are one or the other however it seems that that may not be accurate any longer. Although the left-brain, right-brain theory is a popular theory in the classroom, recent research just may have proved the theory wrong.

The left-brain / right-brain theory believes that different people are either more dominant using the left hemisphere or the right hemisphere of the brain. According to this theory, analytical, detailed, and logical are all considered common traits of a left-brained learner. Deliberate, original, and creative, are all how right-brained learners may be described (Rodgers).

The first problem would face is what do “logical” and “creative” even suggest? However, people are said to prefer one type of learning over the other. Because of these specific traits, two different ways to educate a person have been developed (Rodgers).

This theory can be and sometimes is applied in the classroom.

Most education centers focus on speaking, listening, writing, and logic making right brain learners struggle more excessively in the classroom. Right brain learners excel more in a classroom when the lesson involves images, colors, emotions, and/or the lesson is being taught through a story. Putting a child in curriculum that is friendly to the brain will and does make all the difference. However, most children can learn to accept and learn will in left brain curriculum with little to no struggle. Except, it is believed that children who learn slower or have a learning disability are more likely to be right brain learners. Knowing this, teachers can tweak teaching strategies to get all children learning to their best abilities (Right Brain vs. Left Brain). There are definitely compelling ideas relating to right-brain versus left-brain study however we have unveiled reason to be suspicious

(Lombrozo).

Researchers have been studying this theory and recent discoveries may have proved the theory a myth. Not long ago, a two year research was done to debunk the right-brain, left-brain theory (Rodgers). During this research they have proved that not just one but both hemispheres of the brain are equally important for proficiency in many areas or learning. In fact, in many cases both hemispheres of the brain need to work together equally in order to function properly. A huge reason this theory has fully been proven myth is because of brain surgery. Doctors would not want to remove a more critical portion of your brain if at all possible (Lombrozo). “It’s absolutely true that some brain functions occur in one or the other side of the brain… but people don’t tend to have a stronger left or right-sided brain network,” according to Jeff Anderson.

Researchers observed functional laterization measures for more than a thousand brain sections – resulting in no relationship being found that people use their left/right hemisphere more.

Yet still, many people believe that your personality affects which hemisphere you are more dominant in. “It may be that personality types have nothing to do with one hemisphere being more active, stronger, or more connected,” says Nielson. A new nonfiction book written by Stephen M. Kosslyn and G. Wayne Miller portrays the left/right brain theory should be instead referred to as the top brain, bottom brain theory. The book, however not being yet scientifically proven, gives reasons for us to be curious (Lombrozo). Even though all of these theories have been clearly declared a myth, researchers still believe all people should know the terminology left-brain, right-brain and what it refers to, but there are no patterns found that shows people are more dominant with one or the other hemisphere.

So although recent research may have proved the theory wrong, the left-brain, right-brain theory is still popular; especially in the classroom. It is definitely a theory everyone should learn and be familiar with, but one would not want to rely on it, necessarily. One would still need to be familiar with recent research so they do not teach false information. Knowing this theory is clearly proved a myth, would it still be worth

learning?