Association between brain hemisphericity, learning styles and confidence in using graphics calculator for mathematics

Abstract

This paper presents the preliminary results of a study conducted to investigate the differences in brain hemisphericity and learning styles on students' confidence in using the graphics calculator (GC) to learn mathematics. Data were collected from a sample of 44 undergraduate mathematics students in Malaysia using Brain-Dominance Questionnaire, Index of Learning Style Inventory, and Confidence in Using GC to Learn Mathematics Questionnaire. Statistical analyses revealed that the sample differ significantly in their hemispheric preference and learning styles. In addition, sequential-global and sensing-intuitive learning styles were found to associate significantly with brain hemisphericity. However, there was no significant association between brain hemisphericity with gender, race, and program of study. Finally, the study also revealed that GC confidence ratings are not significantly different across brain hemisphericity as well as learning styles. Copyright © 2007 by Moment.