Marc deGuzman | Value through agility
Blog
Brain washed: Left vs. right
A lot goes into making great learning experiences – especially now with the transition to digital platforms and the hurry into e-learning products. Yet, there’s an inescapable style dichotomy: the designer and developer vs. the learner. Of course, methods continue to evolve with new technologies, but I’m looking at brain bias.
I’m fascinated by how we carry out the see-do-act procedure automatically. How do we know which logical path to follow? Why are some people better at organizing than gauging relative size. And, why do some have great analytical skills while lacking the interpersonal skills to relate their detailed findings?
Let’s play with the concept of left vs right brain. Some will attribute this theory to the instant gratification culture and that it cannot be avoided. Do you know what your preference is of left-brain vs. right-brain? Or, is this a new idea to you?
Siding with the brain and squashing the fantasy
A common claim made is that someone is very left-brained because their assumed right-brained characteristics are weak. They are not good at drawing, therefore they must be “left-brained.” With that logic, anyone who doesn’t easily see patterns is very “right-brained.” Not even! Especially since “right-brained” people naturally create the patterns that we associate with action. However, this brain-sided fallacy needs elaboration.
Sperry launched all of this excitement. We have divided the brain and attributed generalized skills to each side – thanks pop culture. You can see the basic summary in the image above. Today, it is often misrepresented to suggest our brains are locked in polarity. When in actuality, Sperry’s findings influenced years of research into brain trauma and functional development.
Studies have endeavored to answer the “who prefers words and numbers over ideas and feelings” dilemma, but recognize there’s more to the story. One recurring theme describes intersections across the brain as a network for coordinating functions, actions and processes.
Sided characteristics aren’t as binary as Sperry’s original findings. Today, we know that presenting left-side characteristics hinge on an active exchange with the right-side. For example, skill orientation is identifiable, but not attributable as either-or. People don’t have a strong and weak side.
Even in the situations where we have a side preference, there was no negative effect on nondominant sides. Essentially, right-brained people can do left-brain activities just fine! And, left-brained people can do right-brain activities just fine!
Directing your brain
It appears we’re skill biasing now by accepting the theory of side preference or dominance. How about letting your brain bias your skill functions? Remember Buzz? If we played in the belief of sides: his left-brain would say “the data shows ___,” his right-brain would say, “what if we do it this way?” Does he stick to his strong side, and how does he know which side to pick? On the other hand, does he use both options, combining the whole brain?
Left-brain and right-brain theory might be more of a myth, but that doesn’t mean the side preference isn’t true. I think it’s a chicken and egg scenario. Does your brain automatically process using intuition or do you see a problem and choose intuition in the absence of information? And, when there is information available, we use it and our brain’s sides synchronize to intuitively organize and plan action. This can indicate your personality preference more than solid evidence of brain-side preference.
Yet, we still simplify the breadth and depth of research by choosing what is convenient.
In one study they found patients missing part of their brain were still able to develop relative characteristics we associate with that side of the brain. Even when patients had their right-brain section removed, they still were able to demonstrate creative, imaginative, and expressive abilities. Their brains adapted to learn new ways to reach the same outcomes. Incredible, right!?!
Does the research suggest we should cast a wider content net for a general audience? Designers and developers must weave in multiple formats, techniques, and features to appeal to broad preferences. Just because most of us operate the mouse right-handed doesn’t mean computer-based learning cannot challenge soft skills, intuition, and creative thinking! Keep this in mind the next time you see lists-on-lists in modules and videos. And, this dilemma is even more relevant as the race for e-learning has become a norm for people working from home during this pandemic. It isn’t as simple as an if, when, then statement. Perhaps we should resolve this as an effort to satisfy processing and learning preference.
Get outta your whole brain’s way!
Ever tried skills with your off-hand? For righties, we leverage our left-brain for regular tasks. When we switch to using our left hands for the same tasks, something interesting happens. It’ll feel weird at first, but we’ll actually take to things like using the mouse faster than things like sequencing. Ok, there is evidence that left-handed motor skills are innate, while processing tasks such as sequencing information or organizing objects require practice.
Anyone can break-free from their dominant-side preference if they invest time in learning how to learn. How about having proficiency in throwing a ball with both hands? After practice, anyone can be comfortable with their off-hand.
As well as learning how to learn, the magic happens when we apply our whole brain while learning. Reading, memory, and visualization calls on a vast network across the brain. Basically, we’ve got to look beyond just learning preference. You know, the “auditory, visual, and kinesthetic” styles that are targets for learning experience designers. There’s even one interesting method for K-12 educators called whole brain teaching. In the andragogical context, we have examples like the HBDI model that merges side preference with personality preference.
Homework
Need some mental exercises?
- Whole brain proprioception exercises.
- Here’s some lighter exercises you can try while #wfh.
- There is also these self-guided HBDI exercises.
How about a real-world scenario?
Group work: working in pairs or as a team requires the whole brain. While one person is developing something, the others are observing, preparing, and together everyone is thinking while doing. They are organizing, prioritizing, and analyzing while creating, visualizing, and discovering the best way to complete the task at hand. Sounds like a lot right? There’s also conversation and negotiation happening – disagreements are welcomed! Benevolence in that relationship employs all corners of the HBDI model and makes you a better person!
The new norms of working from home has really challenged many professionals to learn new ways of communicating, learning, and working. The remote medium is a great stress test for the groups of side-dominant, left-brained and right-brained folks. Since many of us are stuck indoors, let’s make the most of it! Rather than settling for your preference, practice using your whole brain to stay sharp and grow.