Left Brain/Right Brain

KRYSTAL PIMENTEL, RN BSN CPN

RIVIER UNIVERSITY
NSG550: CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT
SEPTEMBER 2019
Objectives

 Discuss Sperry’s split brain experiment and the associated learning model

 Distinguish between characteristics of the right hemisphere vs the left

hemisphere

 Identify 3 teaching methods or techniques for both left brain and right
brain learning
 Roger Sperry

 1950-1960s experiments to study differences between hemispheres 4

 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 19814

 Brain functions are associated with learning 1

 Brain operates as two brains 1

 Connected together by the corpus callosum1

 Each hemisphere gathers the same information
but interprets the information differently 1

 As well as each hemisphere being responsible for

movement of the body and vision for the opposite
side4
 Many learners have a dominant brain1
 Left Brain vs. Right Brain

Left Hemisphere Right Hemisphere

 Logical 2  Creative 2

 Math 2  Artistic 2

 Language 2  Intuitive 5

 Analytical 5  Free thinkers 5

 Attention to detail
5  Subjective 5
http://www.educationalneuroscience.org.uk/r
esources/neuromyth-or-neurofact/left-brain-
versus-right-brain-thinkers/
Left Brain Teaching Methods

 Structured environment 1

 Specific objectives 1

 Outlines / study guides 3

 Lecture and discussions 3

 Research papers 3

 Abstract concepts 3
Right Brain Teaching Methods

 Unstructured, free-flowing environment1

 Creative opportunities 1

 Visuals: power point, maps, whiteboard displays 3

 Group activities 3

 Student projects 3
Instruments

 BPI = Brain preference indicator 1

 HBDI = Hermann’s brain dominance instrument 1

Downfall/negative aspects

 Often inaccurate depiction of a student’s ability 2

 Impact on student’s self-esteem 2

Videos

 “Left and Right Brain Differences in Learning”

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Qi5_dANWYo

 “10 Easiest Ways to Understand Left & Right Brain Difference”

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5byqRgM21E
Discussion Questions

 Do you have a ‘dominant brain’ when it comes to learning? Why or why

not.

 Discuss the application of the split brain learning theory and how it can be
utilized in nursing education.

 Find and explain experiments and/or research that either prove or

disprove Sperry’s split brain learning theory.
References

1. Bastable, S.B. (2019). Nurse as educator: Principles of teaching and learning for nursing practice, 5th edition (pp
141-142). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning

2. Blacker, K. (December 2016). Debunking the left-brain/right-brain myth. Retrieved from

http://scienceoflearning.jhu.edu/science-to-practice/resources/debunking-the-myth-about-left-brain-right-
brain-learning-styles

3. Holbrook, E. (2011). Left brain vs right brain teaching techniques. Retrieved from
https://www.funderstanding.com/brain/left-brain-vs-right-brain-teaching-techniques/

4. Lienhard, D.A. (2017). Roger Sperry’s split brain experiments [PDF]. Retrieved from
https://hpsrepository.asu.edu/handle/10776/13035

5. Shmerling, R.H. (August 2017). Right brain/left brain, right? Retrieved from
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/right-brainleft-brain-right-2017082512222