RIGHT LEFT vs.

Left Brain vs. Right Brain

A Guide for Students

If you’ve ever wondered why you act the way you do, the answer may lie in which side of your brain you tend to use more. Although they’re generalizations, popular theories suggest that right–brain people have different skills and preferences than left–brain people.

Left brains tend to be...

Right brains tend to be...

Often goal-oriented and well organized. Left brainers are critical thinkers and rarely absent minded.

Slightly disorganized, unpredictable and emotional, right brainers are often good with people and philosophical.

As similar as the brain’s hemispheres look, they actually manage very different functions, which are attributed to different characteristics and abilities such as:

Planner

Things are done in a planned and orderly way, like a to–do list.

Emotional

Tends to ponder and act on feelings.

Realistic

Prefers to read realistic stories and to write non–fiction.

Impulsive

Things are done spontaneously. Keeping track of time is not as important.

Music Critic

Prefers classical music. Dog lovers.

Creative & Artistic

Skilled at sports, writing fiction, drawing or playing music.

Logical

Skilled at math and science, and sequencing ideas.

Sound

Prefers rock music and can study with music or television. Cat lovers.

Rational

Feelings do not get in the way when making decisions.

Intuitive

Solves problems intuitively and doesn't like reading directions.

Precise

Research is well documented and likes to read directions.

Psychic

Interested in the unexplained and mystery stories.

Tips for each

Now that you better understand your skills and preference, here are some tips on how to excel:

If given a choice, choose factual assignments as opposed to open–ended ones.

If you like to be in control, volunteer to be the team leader for study groups and projects.

Avoid free thinking teachers if they confuse you.

Work alone when you have a choice. You get frustrated with others who aren’t as serious.

Try not to argue with the teacher too often

Since you are good at organizing things, be sure to organize your notes well.

Remember to always prioritize finishing a project.

Avoid getting bogged down by thinking of all the possibilities when answering questions.

Be creative in essays by using colourful language.

Try to be more organized by organizing plans and thoughts.

Stay on track by writing down directions.

Try to avoid teachers who lecture a lot.

How do these differences impact you?