©Arlene R. Taylor PhD
From a brain function perspective, the main purpose of education, formal and informal, is to build skills throughout the brain. The study of different subject matter can help to do that. Think of these skills as internal brain software that can then be utilized as necessary in a variety of ways in life.
One of the laws of cybernetics says that the organism with the most options is likely to be most successful. Study is one way to develop more “options” that, in turn, can help you to be more successful. Students sometimes lament, “I don’t know why I have to study ‘X’ subject. I know I’ll never use it again and it’s a big waste of my time!” My response is, “Even if you don’t use that specific subject again per se, you may need to accomplish some task or activity in life that draws on skills you built when you studied that topic.”
The ease with which you breeze through or struggle with specific classes is impacted by your own unique brain and thinking process preference, along with the energy required. Some classes/subjects will be easier than others and require less energy expenditure. Key tasks required for mastering a specific subject are usually centered in one or two of the cerebral divisions.
Following are examples of school subjects that are directed by or draw heavily on functions in a specific cerebral division.
 Prioritizing Divison
|  Envisioning Division
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- Math (arithmetic, algebra, statistics, calculus)
- Auto mechanics, equipment repairs
- Electronics, electrical engineering
- Debate, public speaking
- Track and field
- Research
- Medicine
- Investigative reporting
- Aspects of artistic endeavors (line drawing, literal representations, aspects of sculpture and painting, portions of woodworking)
- Architectural plans
- CPA, MBA
- Law
- Aspects of computer programming
- Portions of photography
- Learning the grammar and syntax of a foreign language
- High-school or college-level teaching
- Golf
- Chess
- Some competitive individual sport-type activities (football, cricket)
| - Math (geometry, trigonometry, some calculus)
- Chemistry, physics, biology
- Philosophy
- Architectural design
- Graphic design
- Artistic endeavors (painting, abstract representations, sculpture, photography)
- Creative writing, short stories, poetry, novels
- English literature
- Musical composition or arranging
- Choreography
- Creative dance
- Creative writing
- Marketing, public relations, sales
- Interior design
- Portions of photography
- Aspects of computer programming, brainstorming new programs or solutions to computer problems
- High-school or college-level teaching in a subject that matches innate brain lead
- Some individual sports-type activities
|
 Maintaining Division
|  Harmonizing Division
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- Reading
- Spelling
- Handwriting (print and cursive)
- Touch typing
- Data entry
- Bookkeeping
- Paralegal
- Civics
- History
- Management
- Administration
- Aspects of computer programming
- Food services
- Dental hygiene
- Elementary school teaching
- Some types of team sports (bowling, baseball)
- Some types of group-choreographed or team dancing
| - Music (e.g., harmony, playing by ear)
- Drama
- Learning to speak foreign languages
- Public relations - marketing
- Sales
- Home Economics
- Interior decorating
- Chaplaincy
- Pastoring
- Human resources
- Home economics
- Therapy (PT, RT, OT, rehab, speech)
- Nursing (see careers)
- Social Work
- Counseling
- Elementary school teaching
- Some types of group-choreographed or group dancing
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