The Powers of the Mind Prepared by: Ms. ERIKA R. BARROZO
Objectives: discuss that understanding the left and right brain may help in improving one’s learning explore two types of mind-mapping techniques, each suited to right brain- or left brain-dominant thinking styles make a plan to improve learning using left and right brain through mind-mapping activities
Brain Power
The brain has always been a fascinating body part. It is a delicate, gel-like organ that is considered as the most powerful part of the human body . The Parts of the Brain: The forebrain is considered as the biggest part of the brain. It is mostly consists of the cerebrum. The midbrain is found between the forebrain and the hindbrain. It is responsible for eye movement and auditory information. The hindbrain which is composed of the cerebellum and pons.
The Four Lobes of the Brain: Frontal lobe . This lobe is found at the front of the brain. It is responsible for the higher level thinking processes like problem-solving, learning, and organizing. Parietal lobe . This region integrates sensory data like touch, pain, pressure, and temperature. Temporal lobe . Its main function is to process auditory signals and information. Occipital lobe. Its job is to process visual information including the detection and identification of colors, movement, and other visual stimuli .
Left Brain/Right Brain Dominance Theory: The left side of the brain has direct influence on the right side of the body while the right side of the brain has direct control over the left side of the body. The Whole Brain Theory: This model emphasizes the different thinking styles used by people. Moreover, it added that some styles are more dominant as compared to others. Quadrant A (Analytical Thinking). People who use this mode of thinking like to read textbooks, collect data, listen to informative lectures or talks, make use of criteria or facts when evaluating ideas or situations, and apply logical reasoning. .
Quadrant B (Practical Thinking). People who use this style prefer detailed instructions, make use of time management, follow directions easily, observe schedule and plan and organize activities . Quadrant C (Relational Thinking). People who use this model like to find meaning in what they do. They are cooperative, like to listen and share ideas, and prefer win-win situations . Quadrant D (Experimental Thinking). People who use this style look at the whole picture and not at the details .
Key points! Amygdala. It is found in the limbic system. It is the center of emotions like aggression and anger. Cerebellum. It is also known as the little brain which controls movement and balance. Cerebral Cortex. It is the outer thin layer of the cerebrum. Cerebral dominance. It is a concept that stresses that one hemisphere plays a dominant position in regulating intricate cognitive and behavioral processes. Cerebrum. It is the part of the forebrain that controls speech, reasoning, learning, emotional control, and memory .
Corpus callosum. It acts as the relay center or bridge between the left and right hemisphere of the brain. Frontal lobe. It is responsible for the higher level of thinking processes like problem-solving, learning, and organizing. It also regulates attention, memory, and mobility. Occipital lobe. Its job is to process visual information including the detection and identification of colors, movement, and other visual stimuli. Parietal lobe. This region integrates sensory data like touch, pain, pressure, and temperature. It also helps in kinesthesia or the perception that the limbs or body is moving. Temporal lobe. Its main function is to process auditory signals and information. It is an important component in understanding language .
Brain Dominance and Mind-Mapping I
Mind-Maps as Tools: A mind map is an illustration or diagram that makes use of ideas branching from a specific concept. The concept is the keyword or the subject and the branches are the ideas related to the keyword or the subject. They are strategically placed around the subject to explain its processes or characteristics Essential characteristics of mind-maps: The center is a representation of the subject or core idea. The main branches symbolize the relevant information that is coming out from the subject or core idea. The branches contain labels, stages, processes or categories that are in conjunction with the core idea. Twigs are representations of sub-topics. The branches create an image of an interconnected structure .
The Process of Mind-mapping: Write a subject on the center of a paper. Encircle this topic to indicate that it is the keyword or subject. Draw several lines around the circle. These lines are properly labeled with the major ideas or themes related to the keyword For each branch, draw twigs to indicate sub-topics that should be included in the branches When new data are learned, write them down in the proper twig or branch.
The Left Brain Hemisphere and Mind-Maps : Library Maps. These are also known as reference maps. Their main purpose is to categorize, organize, and connect information from multiple sources about a specific topic without losing vital information . Problem Solving Map. This mind-map is used during a single brainstorming session with the goal of getting ideas in a fast manner .
Key points Lateralization. It refers to the differences of the left hemisphere and right hemisphere functioning. Library Maps. These are also known as reference maps. Their main purpose is to categorize, organize, and connect information from multiple sources about a specific topic without losing vital information. Problem Solving Map. This mind-map is used during a single brainstorming session with the goal of getting ideas in a fast manner .
Brain Dominance and Mind-Mapping II
Similarities Between Linear Note-Taking and Mind-mapping: Both the linear note-taking and mind-mapping promote new ways of mastering the material that you are studying. You make use of ordinary materials like paper and pen. To make the mind-map more attractive, images and other elements can be added instead of just plain text.
Elements of Effective Mind-Maps: Single Words and Phrases. They should be stated in the proper context. Short words or phrases that effectively convey a strong and clear message attracts readers. Symbols, Icons, and Images. The elements can also be added to enhance the mind-maps. Visual presentations can make it more eye-catching, thus facilitating learning. Colors . The use of different hues and shades can separate ideas included in the mind-map. They also make it easier to remember as compared to plain text .
Mind Mapping for the Right Hemisphere: Presentation Map. This mind map is meant to tell a story or present an argument. Its focus is on the audience. It directly informs the audience about an argument, a case or a proposition. Tunnel Timeline Map. The key phrase in this mind map is visualizing success. It is designed to deliver a solution or outcome .
Key points Linear Note-Taking is done by writing down information while the speaker is talking or as described in a book. Presentation Map. This mind map is meant to tell a story or present an argument. Its focus is on the audience. Tunnel Timeline Map. It is designed to deliver a solution or outcome. The way to do this is to imagine (like a picture) the expected outcome or success .
Mind-Mapping Strategies
Convergent and Divergent Thinking: Convergent and divergent thinking are two thinking patterns that have been introduced by Jay Paul Guilford. These two distinct thinking patterns are utilized in the learning process . Convergent Thinking. This thinking pattern relies heavily on facts and is rational and is also known as critical, analytical, vertical or linear thinking. Divergent Thinking. This is also called as horizontal thinking. This thinking pattern relies on imagination .
Improving Learning: Practical Tips: Lessons should be studied throughout the semester. New information can be linked to the previous body of information through rehearsal. Mnemonic devices can also be used to make memorizing easier. Mnemonic devices are techniques that help people in memorizing factual knowledge. Mnemonic Devices: Categorical clustering - this is the organization of a list of items into types. Acrostic - create a sentence out of an acronym. Interactive Images - make interactive images linking the words in a list .
Learning Through the Use of Mind-Maps: for brainstorming. for memorization. to make difficult text easier. for making presentations. for monitoring progress. for essay writing. for organization .