Using Right and Left Brain Activities in English Language Teaching and Learning

In my English language teaching experience I'veLeft Brain
found it to be highly effective to use aFunctions which are primarily seated in the left
multi-modal approach (D. Lazear) combined withbrain hemisphere include:o Number skillso Written
multi-media based activities for maximum effectlanguageo Reasoningo Spoken languageo Scientific
and language acquisition on the part of thethoughto Control of body's right side
learners. I've also found it important to developWith an understanding of these split-brain-related
skills and abilities seated in both hemispheres ofaspects we can then prepare a palette of
the brain. Here is what to consider and how youactivities that aid in the use and development of
might approach this.both brain hemispheres fostering more balanced
Theory of Dual Psychologyoverall intellectual development.
The theory of Dual Psychology or "Split BrainSummary
Theory" as it is sometimes called, states thatKnowing how the brain functions, how memory
each of the brain's two hemispheres operateworks and determining the key strengths,
independently, performing different functions. Anintelligences and learning styles of your learners
inter-connective structure called the Corpusare important to English and foreign language
Callosum allows exchange of information andteaching professionals. It can significantly impact in
processes between the two hemispheres.the preparation of curriculum, lesson planning, use
Development of the Corpus Callosum is notof facilities, resources and the implementation of
uniform between men and women. In women, forclassroom-based activities or didactics. As such,
example, information passes between the twothis is an area of investigation which cannot be
hemispheres via a broad "super highway". In menpersistently ignored. Other didactics, intellectual
however, the path is more like a machete-hackeddevelopment and intelligence theory models as
trail through the jungle, which helps to explain whywell as their application to English and foreign
women are more intuitive and emotional whilelanguage teaching and learning, such as the
men tend more to be physical and logical.Theory of Multiple Intelligences (Gardner, 1984),
Right BrainHermann's Brain Dominance Indicator (N.
Functions which are primarily seated in the rightHermann), and the Triune Brain Model (P.
brain hemisphere include:o Insighto 3-D threeMacLean), will be examined in this continuing series.
dimensional thinking and conceptso Art, visuals,Also, a selection of didactic activities and their
images and graphicso Imaginationo Musico Controlapplication will be discussed in a sequence of
of body's left sideupcoming article posts.