Think about it: from the moment we are born until the day we die, we are constantly learning. In front of us lies an endless ocean of knowledge. Naturally, we all seek ways to learn faster and more easily.
During this search, I discovered memory techniques. And I saw that they work—amazingly well! So, what’s the secret? In fact, it’s a very simple principle: engaging the whole brain in the learning process.
At this point, one question immediately comes to mind: What does the right brain do, and what does the left brain do? Let’s understand this first, so we can then move on to the question: “How do we develop the right brain?”
To summarize briefly:
- Left Brain: Deals with logic, numbers, writing, lists, and details. It is the center of analytical thinking.
- Right Brain: Responsible for imagination, colors, images, emotions, and activities like drawing. It is the heart of creativity.
Now, let’s take a look at our education system. Have you noticed? We mostly develop our left brain. We are constantly told to think logically. When we try to dream, we are warned: “Stop daydreaming!” Subjects like art and music are sometimes seen as “extra” or “unnecessary,” while mathematics, physics, and chemistry are given much greater importance.
Naturally, the brain develops the side that is used more often. Since the left side is used more, it becomes stronger.
I compare this situation to crippling one wing of a bird. Imagine a bird in front of you, ready to fly from one end of the room to the other. But you break its right wing. Can it fly? No, it cannot.
That’s exactly what happens. In our education system, the right brain is not sufficiently developed. Because we don’t recognize the importance of artistic activities, imagination, and their active role in learning, we and our children try to fly like birds with only one wing. And when they fail, we pressure them, failing to understand why they struggle in exams.
Yet, if we use the right brain more effectively in the learning process, everything becomes faster and easier. Especially when teachers build warm, emotional connections with their students, learning improves dramatically. That’s why my first advice to all teachers is this: before trying to teach, win the hearts of those children. Once you earn their love, they will learn from you far better.
How Do We Develop Our Right Brain?
Here are some practical suggestions to involve the right brain in learning:
- Use Your Left Side
There is a cross-connection between our brain and body. When we use our right hand, the left brain works; when we use our left hand, the right brain works. Since we mostly use our right hand, the left brain is more active. So:
- Try writing with your left hand occasionally.
- Brush your teeth or comb your hair sometimes with your left hand.
- Kick a ball with your left foot.
These small changes will contribute to the development of your right brain.
- Play a Musical Instrument
One of the best activities that develops both sides of the brain is playing an instrument. Instruments like the piano, which require both hands to perform different movements simultaneously, are excellent. Not only hand movements but also rhythm and melody activate the right brain. If you want your children to have a more balanced brain, encourage them to learn an instrument. - Solve Puzzles and Play Games
Logic games like Sudoku mostly train the left brain, while matching games and puzzles, which are visually oriented, develop both sides together. - Dream Unusual Dreams!
Perhaps the most enjoyable way to develop the right brain is this. While walking or driving, change the size or shape of the objects you see. Use the “reverse thinking” technique.
- Imagine not that you are drinking water, but that water is drinking you.
- Picture a pen much taller than yourself.
- Exaggerate, create unusual connections.
Such imaginative exercises give your right brain a workout.
- Read a Lot (Especially Stories and Novels)
The raw material of imagination is words and concepts. The more words you know, the richer your imagination becomes. That’s why reading novels and stories is extremely beneficial for right-brain development.
Book Recommendations to Support Your Learning Journey
- “Use Your Head” (Tony Buzan): A classic on memory and mental performance.
- “How We Learn” (Benedict Carey): As the New York Times Book Review says, this book is “a sharp answer to the idea that learning only comes from long hours of study.”
- “Thirty Million Words” (Dana Suskind): Especially for parents of young children. A brilliant study showing that one of the most important factors influencing mental performance and academic success is the number of words heard at an early age.
- “Incognito: The Secret Lives of the Brain” (David Eagleman): As the author says, “Your mind will thank you for this book.” Understanding how your brain works can transform your learning process.
By adding these practices to your life, I believe you can fly much higher by using both wings. Remember: we were all created to fly—we just need to remember to use both wings.
