A Study of the Development and Effect of the Both Sides of the Brain Utilized English Instruction Model for Elementary School Students

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop the both sides of the brain utilized instruction model for elementary school students to help their balanced brain development through English lessons. The study also intended to prove the effectiveness of the instruction model. To achieve the research purposes, elementary school English textbooks were analyzed in terms of the types of brain activities, i. e. left, right, and middle brain centered, and the both sides of the brain utilized instruction model was developed based on the result of textbook analysis. Then, the model was applied to a fifth grade class for a year. The results of this study are as follows: the English textbooks include left brain centered activities the most; a both sides of the brain utilized English instruction model was developed by focusing on the balanced brain development of elementary school students; the students’overall English ability was improved and some students’ brain hemisphere preference was dramatically changed. In addition, the result of a post survey revealed that most students were satisfied with the learning experience. The results imply the need for brain balanced English instruction for elementary school students.