Sunday, December 2, 2007

What side is your dominant side? right/left

As I was cruising the web, I found this unique example of something that had me wondering for years.
I have always wondered what side of the brain was dominate for my skill set. Then I found this post on Ryan Bretag’s blog, The Four Eyed Technologist, http://www.bretagdesigns.com/technologist/ .
It is a test to see whether you are right brain or left brain.
1. First, you start by staring at the figure. What way do you immediately see her turning?
2. If your first reaction was clockwise, you are a right-brain thinker. If your first reaction was counter clockwise, you are a left-brain thinker.

Now that I have looked at it for quite a while, I’m totally confused. For me, the figure turns clockwise for a while and then it changes to a counter clockwise rotation. I guess I’m just lazy. I do what is the easiest.
Let me know what you think………

In checking out this right brain concept further, I found some good information on Funderstanding, http://www.funderstanding.com/right_left_brain.cfm .
This is what they posted about right brain vs. left brain.
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.

Reading
Bernice McCarthy, The 4-MAT System: Teaching to Learning Styles with Right/Left Mode Techniques.

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