A quick search on the internet will bring up many, many articles related to Right and Left Brain learning styles.
Though my personal background is Science and Engineering, my interest and discovery of Right Brain- Left Brain learning comes from real life experience as I began to learn Japanese, when in my twenties. I had previously been unable to learn Spanish in High School and college, because I tried to learn in the classroom environment. At the time I thought I was lazy or maybe stupid, because I learned very little. Now, I realize that the classroom was only allowing me to use a Left Brain learning style. But my personal strength is in the Right Brain learning style.
Years later, watching thousands of Japanese students and adults struggle with English and becoming more and more insecure as aresult, I began to work on the idea for KidsWow EnglishPro.
The concept starts with the Right Brain learning of lot of listening while watching animation video. Repetition and games, requiring a physical response help the fix the material into the mind. Then Left Brain learning is added later on as the child develops confidence and the desire to understand more. There are already many programs available that start with the Left Brain learning style from the beginning. So I believe this aproach is somewhat uninque.
In addition to Left and Right Brain learning styles there are also many other considerations we've experienced over the years, such as concrete and abstract learners. There are motivation and attention span limitations, as well as physically active kids, that can not learn sitting still.
Though not all kids learn well in a classroom environment. Our goal is to create a flexible program that can be used in many ways, so all kids can learn basic English well.
Below are excerpts from two different articles on Right/Left brain learning. For more information on this topic, see the complete articles at
http://www.funderstanding.com/right_left_brain.cfm
http://brain.web-us.com/brain/LRBrain.html
Left vs. Right / Which Side Are You On?
In general the left and right hemispheres of your brain process information in different ways. We tend to process information using our dominant side. However, the learning and thinking process is enhanced when both side of the brain participate in a balanced manner.
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.
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
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.
To foster a more whole-brained scholastic experience, teachers should use instruction techniques that connect with both sides of the brain.
