SPLIT BRAIN THEORY
Psychologists have shown that the left hemisphere of the brain (in right handed persons ) tends to concentrate verbal and symbolic logical reasoning, while the right hemisphere (in right handed persons) tends to concentrate spatial and holistic reasoning. Unfortunately, educational processes have become dominated by the left brain learning. It is quicker, easier, and more measurable than right brain learning; it fits closer to learning objectives. Advanced degrees tend to select students most successful at left brain operations, and these students subsequently become the educators. A transformation that should be facilitated in the education of any modern engineering student involves a shift from the singular dependence upon the left brain with its emphasis on the equation for the right answer to also include the nonlinear, right brain with its ability for holistic analysis and synthesis.
From Williamson and Hudspeth, Teaching Holistic Thought Through Engineering Design, Oregon University, Corvallis, Oregon.