Processing Dimensions

How the brain processes information

Left Brain Right Brain
Intellectual

Makes objective judgments

Relies on language to think and remember

Structure, organization

Appreciates logical sequence of ideas or information

Details

Planned and structured

Analysis: breaking down

Favors logical problem solving

Good at grammar and
spelling
Intuitive

Makes subjective judgments

Relies on images to think and remember

Free form

Favors discussions and the random development of ideas

General ideas

Spontaneous

Synthesis: building up

Favors intuitive problem solving

Art, music, drama

H. Douglas Brown, Principles of Language Learning and Teaching (4 th edition). (White Plains, NY: Pearson Education, 1999.) Reprinted by permission of Pearson Education.