Individual Types of Learning Behavior Essay -- Biology, Herman Brain D

Herman Brain Dominance (HBD): Ned Hermann improved his model of Brain Dominance in 1979. His Whole Brain Model (Herman, 1995) combines Roger Sperry's left/right brain theory and Paul MacLean's triune model (primitive, intermediate and rational brain) to produce a quadrant model based on the task- specific performance of the physical brain. Each quadrant is described to have an ideal style of learning and preferences for individual types of learning behavior. Quadrant A is logical-analytical, Quadrant B is sequential-organized, and Quadrant C is emotional and interpersonal, while Quadrant D is visual, holistic and innovative. Depending on the relative functioning of these quadrants, he classifies individuals as humanists, theorists, organizers and innovators. In this context, it has been found that individuals with ADHD are right-brain dominant in their information processing and learning styles, resulting in being more creative than those with left-brain dominant styles (Jensen , 1998). These two models focus on characterizing learners. There has been much further work in characterizing the Cognitive Styles of different learners, such as the work of Furnham (1995) and Ramsden (1992) on Whole/Analytic organization and processing of information, and Verbal/Imagery representation of information. However, there is some debate about whether Cognitive Style should be considered part of Learning Style: â€Å"LS are more in terms of processes than outcomes† (Duff, 2003, pp.5). Sadler-Smith (2001) also brings out in their discussion that Cognitive Style and LS are independent. Dunn and Dunn: Dunn, Dunn and Price (1979) identified the factors that influence learners in terms of five types of stimuli: Environmental, Emotional, Soc... ...n. Students who are kinesthetic learners may exhibit the same symptoms that are commonly known as red-flags for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder when they are not allowed to move about in a classroom. To relieve the stress of not being able to move, they seek to break out of these constraints through uncontrollable activities. Many teachers may consider these misbehaviors to be symptoms or signs of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. These two seemingly separate topics overlap in many instances. A better understanding of the correlation between ADHD and kinesthetic or tactile learners will help teachers, parents and practitioners gain a better understanding of the disease. A better appreciation of the disease and varied learning styles may indeed bridge this gap of understanding for this commonly diagnosed, yet controversial childhood disease.