Name

Date

Cognitive Control

Which side of your brain takes control, or is dominant? You

probably already know that each side of your brain controls
certain skills, but do you know which side influences your
thoughts, behaviors, and learning?

Part 1: Read each situation below. Then circle the answer that best describes you.
1. Its time to study for an important test. Youll remember more if
a. you read about the information
b. you see pictures or videos explaining the information
2. Your teacher assigns a big project. You like
a. step-by-step directions first and then an example of a finished project
b. an example of a finished project and then the details on how to complete it
3. Its time to get ready for bed. You
a. have a routine that you follow so you dont forget to do anything
b. do things as you think of them; no two nights are exactly alike
4. You meet someone for the first time at the mall. Two weeks later, you see her again. You
a. remember her name but not her face
b. remember her face but not her name
5. Your parents ask you to make out your birthday wish list. You
a. organize the items in categories, such as toys, sports equipment, and games
b. simply list items in the order that you think of them
6. The yearbook photographer snaps a few pictures of you talking to your friends. Your hands
a. are probably by your sides in most of the pictures
b. are probably in motion in most of the pictures
7. Its time for homework. You are studying for a test and
a. sitting in a quiet room with good lighting
b. listening to the T.V. or radio, changing locations occasionally
8. When the tardy bell rings, youll be
a. at your desk, waiting for class to begin
b. sliding into the classroom, just before its too late
9. You save your allowance for several weeks. With your full piggy bank, you
a. visit several stores to choose something you really want, then finally spend the money
b. go to the mall with some friends and buy whatever appeals to you first
10. Your teacher assigns a research project due at the end of the grading period. You
a. take out your student planner and set aside time to work on the project each week until it is completed

Part 2:

Tally your answers. Record each number in the correct spaces. a: _______ b: _______

Part 3: What does it mean? If you chose a more, your behaviors and choices probably come mostly

from the left side of your brain. If you chose b more, your choices probably come mostly from
the right side of your brain. If you have about the same number of both letters, the two halves of
your brain probably share control.

The Education Center, Inc. Teachers Helper TEC8487 Feb/Mar 2002

The Brain: dominance, learning styles

51

How to Use Page 51

Cognitive Control

1. Give each student a copy of page 51.

2. Remind students that each side of the brain is
responsible for controlling certain skills. Then explain
to students that each person may tend to use one
side of his brain more than the other. This is called
brain dominance. Further explain that all persons
use both sides of their brains, but many people prefer learning styles related to one side or the other.
3. Discuss the directions on page 51. Emphasize to
students that there are no right or wrong answers.
Encourage each student to answer honestly so that
his results will be accurate.
4. Have each student complete the page.
5. After students have completed the activity, provide
each with a copy of the background information.
Have each student use the results of his test to
determine several techniques that will help him make
the most of his natural learning style.

Background for the Teacher

A person who is left-brain dominant usually exhibits the
following characteristics:
speaks with few
learns verbally
gestures
processes information
from part to whole or is punctual
prefers formal study
from first to last
design
responds to logic

prefers bright lights
plans ahead
while studying
recalls peoples names
Learning suggestions:
use flash cards
use study notes
make outlines
explain information to someone else
A person who is right-brain dominant usually exhibits
the following characteristics:
uses gestures when speak learns visually
ing
processes information
is less punctual
in varied order
prefers background sound
responds to emotion
or music while studying
acts impulsively
prefers frequent mobility
recalls peoples faces
while studying
Learning suggestions:
set information to a familiar song
paint or color a visual
make a model
pantomime or act out material to be learned
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The Brain: dominance, learning styles