The Power of the Mind: The Whole Brain Theory

Chapter 7

At the end of this chapter, the student should be able to:

1. Discuss that understanding the left and right brain may helpin improving one’s learning;

2. Explore two types of mind mapping techniques, each suitedto right brain- or left brain- dominant thinking styles;

3. Make a plan to improve learning using the left and rightbrain through mind mapping techniques.

Parts of the Brain

A. The Forebrain

- is considered as the biggest part of the brain, consisting of the cerebrum – controls speech, reasoning, learning, emotional control, and memory.

The Limbic System. Consist of the ff:

* hippocampus – focuses on learning and memory

* amygdala – the center of emotions like aggression and anger

* hypothalamus – responsible for basic processes like control of hunger, regulation of temperature, thirst, and circadian rhythms (body clock) which tells you when to eat, sleep and rise.

* thalamus – controls the flow of information going into the cerebral cortex which is distributed to the muscles and senses

The Cerebral Cortex. The outer thin layer of the cerebrum

B. The Midbrain

- It is responsible for eye movement and auditory information. Serves as the link in the signal transmissions between the forebrain and the hindbrain.

C. HindbrainIt is composed of:

• Cerebellum – also known as the “little brain” with its numerous and deep folds, which controls movement and balance.

• Pons – is responsible for processes like arousal and the sleep and waking up cycle.

Medulla Oblongata

- Is considered as the extension of the spinal cord that is found in the skull. It regulates important processes like circulation and other involuntary processes like heart rate, blood pressure regulation, salivation, sneezing, breathing, vomiting, and coughing.

Whole Brain Theory

Paul Broca

- conducted a study on language and left-right brainspecialization

- theorized that some language functions reside onthe left side of the brain.

Whole Brain Theory

Dr. Roger Sperry ( The Split Brain Theory)

- conducted a study for epilepsy- explained that the brain has 2 hemispheres that perform tasks differently from each other.

- right hemisphere was performing tasks that wereintuitive, creative and synthesizing

- left hemisphere was more adept with analytical,logical reasoning and critical thinking

Whole Brain Theory

Dr. Paul Maclean (The Triune Brain Theory)

- identified 3 distinct parts of the brain, neocortex, limbic system and reptilian complex

The Triune Brain Theory

Neocortex or Neomammalian Complex or Rational brain- responsible for intellectual tasks such as language, planning, abstraction and perception.

Paleomammalian Complex or Limbic System or Intermediate brain –responsible for the motivation and emotion involved in feeding, reproductive behavior, and parental behavior.

Primitive brain or Reptilian Complex- responsible for typical instinctual behavior involved in aggression, dominance, self-preservationof humans similar to the survival instincts of animals.

Whole Brain TheoryNed Herrmann (Brain Dominance Theory)

- tasked to determine why some individuals weremore creative than others

- derived from observation and tests that the humanbody, although symmetrical and paired in almostall aspects, do not necessarily function equally.

- Father of Brain Dominance Technology

Accomplish…..

My Dominant Side

Four Quadrants of the Brain1. Upper Left (A) Cerebral Mode- Key word “ANALYTICAL”

• Very rational people who gather data from concrete facts.

• Tend to be competitive and individualistic, as well as intelligent and ironic.

• Having a good sense of humor.• Jobs most suitable are those related to math, physics,

engineering, chemistry etc.

Four Quadrants of the Brain

2. Lower Left (B) Limbic Mode- Key word “ ORGANIZED”

• Don’t do anything without having planned it first.• Like all that is predictable, conservative and under

their control.• Would be good company directors, managers,

accountants etc.

Four Quadrants of the Brain3. Lower Right (C) Limbic Mode “INTERPERSONAL”

• Tending towards emotions and the need to connect with others.

• Relate with others and enjoy social contact where theycan feel useful, giving and receiving.

• Good at communicating, spontaneous, and extroverted.• Prefer jobs like journalism, nursing, social work,

advocacy, etc.

Four Quadrants of the Brain4. Upper Right (D) Limbic System “IMAGINATIVE”

• Refers to personalities with holistic minds.• They are visual, spontaneous and highly creative people.• Like to experiment and innovate, even if it comes with

risks.• Always looking to the future but they try to learn from

the present too.• Good Architects, writers, musicians, painters, designers.

Mind Mapping

Tony Buzan

- popularized the use of the phrase “mind map.”- stressed that mind-maps are visual tools that

assist learning and memory.

Mind Map

- Is an illustration or diagram used to represent ideas or information branching from a central key word or idea and used as an aid in study, organization, problem solving, decision-making, and writing.

5 Essential Characteristics of Mind Mapping1. The center image represents the main idea, subject or focus.

2. The main branches radiate from the central image.

3. The branches comprise a key image or word drawn or printedon its line.

4. Twigs represents the lesser topics.

5. The branches form a connected nodal structure.

Using Mind Maps Effectively

Use single words or simple phrases

Print words

Use color to separate different ideas

Use symbols and images

Use cross-linkages