The Left Brain vs. The Right Brain: How Does This Impact Learning

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The human brain is a very complex organ which controls everything that makes us who we are. The function of the brain is broken down into two hemispheres, each responsible for different aspects of the thought process. The left and right hemispheres impact learning by directly controlling the process in which information is analyzed utilizing each hemispheres specific function.
The two hemispheres of the brain are the left and the right hemisphere. Each having it's own unique purpose and function. The two hemispheres are separated by a fold down the middle connected only by a thick nerve cable called the corpus callosum. The Left hemisphere is thought to be the logical side controlling speech, reading, writing, details, facts, maths and science and rational, literal, practical analysis. The right hemisphere is seen as controlling the intuitive, creative side of life, with spatial perception, symbols and images, face recognition, imagination, beliefs and fantasy. (Vered, 2013, www.brainskills.co.uk)
These two hemispheres have been thought to work independently if separated from one another. The idea that these two hemispheres of the brain can co-exist independently functioning as separate conscious minds is an interesting one. An idea that was explored in 1981 by Roger Sperry. He pioneered the study of what he called “split-brained” patients. A “split-brained” patient is a person who has had the two hemispheres of their brain disconnected to treat severe epilepsy. The left hand and eye supply data to the right hemisphere and the right hand and eye supply data to the left. In these “split-brained” patients tests were conducted to show that each half was isolated from the other. These same tests allowed the function of each half i...

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Works Cited

Oflaz, M. (2011). The Effect of Right and Left Brain Dominance in Language Learning. Procedia – Social and Behavioral Sciences, 15, 1507-1513. doi: 10.1016/j.sbspro.2011.03.320

Malashichev, Y.B.; Deckel, A.W. (2006). Behavioral and Morphical Asymmetries in Vertebrates. Retrieved from http://web.ebscohost.com.ezproxy1.apus.edu/ehost/detail?sid=cae1b711-65ac-4be2-ac3e-d1c4b02bf1b2%40sessionmgr11&vid=1&hid=1&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=nlebk&AN=169604

Jenkins, B.; Walker, S.; Burns, M. (2011). Left vs. Right: What Your Brain Hemispheres Are Really Up To. Scientific Learning. Retrieved from http://www.scilearn.com/blog/left-brain-right-brain-hemispheres.php

Vered, M. (2013). Left Brain vs. Right: What's the Difference?. Brain Skills. Retrieved from http://www.brainskills.co.uk/DifferenceBetweenLeftRightBrain.html

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