Module 7
The Power of the Mind: The Whole Brain Theory
CONTENT
What is the Whole Brain Theory?
Hermann’s Four Dominant Quadrants
Whole Brain Theory in Learning
Mind Mapping
o Using Mind Maps Effectively
OBJECTIVES
At the end of this chapter the student should be able to:
1. Discuss that understanding the left and right brain may help in important one’s leraning;
2. Explore two types of mind mapping techniques, each suited to right-brain or left brain-
dominant thinking styles; and
3. Make a plan to improve learning using the left and right brain throught mind mapping
techniques.
WHAT IS THE WHOLE BRAIN THEORY?
Paul Broca
In 1861, Paul Broca conducted a study on the language and left-right brain specialization on a
patient who had problems with language. After several tests, Broca theorized that some
language functions reside on the left side of the brain.
Dr. Roger Sperry
Dr. Roger Sperry conducted a study for epilepsy, which gave him the 1981 Nobel Prize for
Physiology or Medicine. Sperry explained that brain has two hemispheres that perform tasks
differently from each other. He discovered the left hemisphere of the brain was performing tasks
that were intuitive, creative, and synthesizing; while the right hemisphere of the brain was adept
with analytical, and logical, reasoning, and critical thinking. Dr. Perry’s theory was known as the
“Split-Brain Theory.”
Dr. Paul MacLean
Dr. Paul MacLean came up with a theory that identified three distinct parts of the brain.
1. Neocortex (Rational Brain): Responsible for intellectual tasks such as language,
planning, abstraction and perception
2. Limbic system(Intermediate Brain): Responsible for the motivation and emotion
involved in feeding, reproductive behavior, and parental behavior
3. Reptilian complex (Primitive Brain):Controls the self-preservation and aggressive
behavior of humans similar to the survival instincts of animals
Ned Herrmann
Ned Herrmann was tasked to determine why some individuals were more creative than others.
Herrmann, came up with his theory called the “Brain Dominance Theory,” which he derived
from observations and tests that the human body, although symmetrical and paired inalmost all
aspects, do not necessarily function [Link] is regarded as the “Father of Brain
Dominance Technology”.
Four quadrants of the brain (according to Herrmann):
1. Upper Left (A) Cerebral Mode: ANALYTICAL
2. Lower Left (B) Limbic Mode: ORGANIZED
3. Lower Right (C) Limbic Mode: INTERPERSONAL
4. Upper Right (D) Limbic system: IMAGINATIVE
Portions A and B are known as the left side brain thinking and portion C and D are known as
the right side brain thinking.
Herrmann was not trying to differentiate the functions of the quadrants and how the brain works.
Instead, he was pointing the preferences of styles in thinking.
QUADRANT KEY PREFERRED RESPONDS VULNERABILIITES TYPICAL
WORDS ACTIVITIES WELL TO OCCUPATION
Logical, Collecting data, Technical or Too focused, may miss CEO of technical
A factual, listening to financial synergistic organization,
Analytical critical. informational information, opportunities, favors stock market
Thinking Technical. lectures, reading theories, charts individual vs. group broker, chemist,
Quantitative, textbooks, and graphs, formal work, tends to place computer
abstract, judging ideas approach, data facts over people, programmer,
impersonal based on facts, heavy content problems with finance manager
criteria, and delegating
logical reasoning
Conservative, Following Agendas, goals Reluctant to changes, Technical
B structured, directions, and objectives, tends to miss the big manager,
Sequential organized, repetitive simple graphs and picture, does not operational
Thinking detailed detailed presentations, appreciate innovative manager,
planned homework stickler for time, ideas, avoids dynamic bookkeepers,
problems, time step-by-step situation drill sergeant,
management and procedures before supervisory
schedules, concluding nurse,
planning and construction
organizing engineer
Emotional, Listening to and Creative and free Dislike for routine and Marketing, sales,
C spiritual, sharing ideas, flowing activities, structured activities, real estate,
Interpersonal feeling, looking for experiential tendency to be elementary
Thinking sensory, personal activities like impulsive and school teacher,
kinesthetic meaning, sensory music and art, emotional, often social worker,
input, teamwork, people-centered misses out on details counselor,
win-win activities and secretary
situations discussions
Visual, Looking at the Fun activities, Can be impractical, Artist,
D holistic, big picture, humor, future tend to overlook entertainer,
Imaginative intuitive, taking initiative, oriented activities, details, may tend to musician,
Thinking innovative, simulations experimentation procrastinate entrepreneur,
conceptual (“what if” thought provoking especially if they do strategic planner,
questions), visual and challenging not like what they are creative writer,
aids, appreciate situations, visuals doing like repetitive film director
beauty of a tasks, difficulty in
problem, prioritizing
brainstorming
visionary
WHOLE BRAIN THEORY IN LEARNING
It has been observed that brain dominance leads to thinking preferences that influence and
improve learning styles
Quadrant A learners are very much into logical thinking.
Quadrant B learners easily grab things in sequence.
A and B learners are often characterized as practical, reality-based, and down-to-earth persons.
Quadrant C learners are very sociable learners who enjoy learning with a group with whom
they share ideas and projects.
Quadrant D learners are curious ones with spontaneous character.
Here is a quick and simple test (Simple Test for Dominant Learning Styles) to find out which
quadrant your dominant traits are found.
QUADRANT A LEARNER QUADRANT D LEARNER
Analyses data Vivid imagination
Down-to-earth Explores
Critical Curious
Logical thinker Experiments
Understands money Flexible
Works with numbers Conceptualizes
Uses virtual to learn
Risk-taker
QUADRANT B LEARNER QUADRANT C LEARNER
Get things done Tactile
Submit on time Sensitive
Creates procedures Emotional
Plans and organizes Sociable
Neat and organized Expressive
Reliable in getting things done Shares knowledge
Uses physical movement
MIND MAPPING
Organizing information and concepts through the use of maps or diagrams has been practiced
among thinkers as early the third [Link] psychology author and consultant, Tony
Duzan, who also developed the technique in creating such map, popularized the use of the
phrase “mind map”.
According to [Link]:
“A mind map is a diagram used to represent ideas or information branching from a central key
word or idea and used as a n aid in study, organization, problem solving, decision-making, and
writing.”
Mind maps are useful visual tools that help in linking together concepts and information in such
a way that the inter-connection and interrelation of these are clearly laid out and easily accessible
to help in problem solving and for reference and review ([Link]).
According to the website [Link], there are five essential characteristics of
mind mapping:
1. The center image represents the main idea, subject or focus
2. The main branches radiate from central image
3. The branches comprise a key image or word drawn or printed on its line
4. Twigs represent the lesser topics
5. The branches form a connected nodal structure
USING MIND MAPS EFFECTIVELY
1. Use Single Words or Simple Phrases – many words in normal writing are padding, as
they ensure that facts are conveyed in the correct context, and in s format that is a
pleasant to read. In mind maps, single, strong words, and short meaningful phrases can
convey the same meaning more potently. Excess word just clutter the mind map.
2. Print Words– joined up or indistinct writing is more difficult to read.
3. Use Color to Separate Different Ideas - this will help you to separate ideas where
necessary. It also helps to visualize the mind map for recall. Color can help to show the
organization of the subject.
4. Use symbols and Images – pictures can help you to remember information, more
effectively than words, so if a symbols or pictures means something to you, use it.
5. Use Cross-Linkages – information in one part of a mind map may relate yo another part.
Here, you can draw line to show the cross-linkages. In helps you to see how one part of
the subject affects another.
Mind mapping is a powerful thinking tool. It is a graphical technique that mirrors the way the
brain works, and was invented by Tony Buzan. Mind mapping helps to make thinking visible.
Most people make notes using lined paper and blue or black ink. Making notes more attractive to
the brain by adding color and rhythm can aid the learning process, and can help to make learning
fun. The subject being studied is crystallized in a central image and the main theme radiates out
from the central image on branches. Each branch holds a key image or a key word. Details are
then added to the main branches and radiate further out. Mind maps have a wide variety of uses,
for example, note taking, revision planning, planning for writing and problem solving can all be
successfully carried out using the technique. The colors and the graphics used will help children
to organize their ideas and thoughts. They can be very simple or, quite detailed depending upon
the age of the children and the complexity of the subject. Because creating the mind map
involves the use of the left and right brain, remembering the information becomes easier!
How to draw a mind map:
1. Turn the page on its side (landscape). Use plain paper.
2. Draw the central image using different colors. The central image should encapsulate the
subject of the map.
3. Add the branches representing the subject’s main topics or themes using key words or images.
4. Add detail with more key words and images. Use color.
5. Print the words clearly.
6. Use arrows to connect linked ideas.
Source: Dodd (2004). Learning to Think: Thinking to Learn,
[Link]
Below is an example of a simple mind map linked to the information above.
ASSESSMENT/EVALUATION
1. How does whole brain theory affect the learning process of a person?
2. What is a mind map and when is it useful?
3. Using the topic “How to improve Learning” draw two mind maps. The first one will
show the dominant right side of the brain and the other map will illustrate the left side of
the brain.
NOTE
Send your activity work (answer) thru messenger or gmail.
REFERENCE
Santos, Ricardo. R.( 2016). Personal Development. Rex Bookstore, Inco., 84 – 86 P. Florentino
St., Sta . Mesa Heights, Quezon City,Philippines
