The Dominance Factor: How Knowing Your Dominant Eye, Ear, Brain, Hand, & Foot Can Improve Your Learning

by Carla Hannaford

Explores an area that has long intrigued scientists and the linkages between the side of the body we favor for seeing, hearing, touching, and moving and the way we think, learn, play, and relate to others. Your Dominance Profile is actually a key factor in shaping the way you think and act. Carla Hannaford shows why, and reveals how knowing your Profile will help you, and your children, to l earn in the way that suits you best, and perform at your highest level. The Dominance Factor clearly explains methods for discovering your Profile that are so simple, non-invasive and easy to learn that even a child can do them. This is a book that parents, teachers, and all of us who need to understand what makes ourselves and others tick, will use and enjoy.

Genres: Nonfiction, Education, Parenting, Psychology, Self Help

144 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1997

Reviews

[Catherine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting concept but poorly explained and too vague to be helpful.

[Kayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting! Backed by research and easy to understand. The author is clearly very knowledgeable and has good examples, I only wish the book was expanded further with descriptions of each of the 32 profiles and examples of everyday situations for these individuals. Only two pages on each profile wasn't enough for me. I want more!

I hope teachers, managers, and leaders read this. Sometimes we have to adapt to how another person learns best. And it's always good to understand how you operate under stress. I am visually limited under stress and knew this but didn't understand the science behind it. This is helpful information for me to learn how best to integrate myself so I can approach stressful situations with an integrated mind.

[E · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting but not well cited.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating look at how our dominant brain, hand, foot, ear, and eye can enhance or hinder our learning. Generally, we need to use BOTH sides of our brain and body to be proficient at anything, BUT under stress, our non-dominant side will shut down and we exhibit a preference for our dominant side. Knowing how you process info and what shuts down when you are under stress is super helpful! (Remember how so many people couldn’t focus or read a book during the start of Covid? That visual, logical side of the brain may have “shut down” due to stress. In a tough class, do you have a preference of where to sit? Your dominant eye or ear may help you gather more info! ie. I always liked the left side, and now I know it’s so my right ear and eye could do the hard work! So interesting.) This is an older book, so I’d love to see if there’s any more recent, new research done on this.

[Mais · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book and keep back to it again and again. It’s so practical especially if you’re working with children or in the education field. It gives you more understanding of yourself and your mind profile and how to make it work best for you; also it will help you to understand people around you. Such an eye opener!!

[Clio F Cagli · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the book and the principles explained, I think it's a really powerful tool for anyone living or working with kids. I just wished it offered more in-depth explanations about the whys and the research behind it, as well as more precise strategies to put all into practice. Definitely worth reading!

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this after finishing Smart Moves by the same author. Not as awe-inspiring as Smart Moves, but very practical info that might prove helpful for learning as well. Kind of neat to figure out my dominance profile & for my kids as well.

[emyrose8 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, this book was really cool! It started out a bit technical, but I liked that they tell you how to find your dominant eye/ear/hand/leg. The profiles are neat to read; take it with a grain of salt, but some of the stuff really makes sense.

[Christa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must for parents and teachers! I am now equipped to better help my children learn and communicate based on their dominance profiles. I also profiled my husband and I and it helped us better understand one another and how you communicate especially during stressful times.

[Anna K · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating read relevant for anyone with background in education, not necessarily special education. It's more of a practical handbook than a deep dive in neuroscience. I find myself still thinking about it even tho I read it almost a year ago.

[Maxine Haller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have found Carla's information to be one of the most valuable interventions in my clinic. The concept of Dominance Profiles being behind every thought process, every bit of information that is assimilated and assigned then linked in characteristic patterns has lead to understanding responses, stress patterns, relationship interactions and the produced so much patience in parents when dealing with their kids and then relating to each other.
The 32 profiles are each unique in their day to day out working. The combinations of the dominances pre-determine reactions to stress and so help parents to separate a stress response from a defiant engagement. This is a huge help in knowing if the next step should be creating connection or discipline.
I could not do the vagal regulation and calming that I do with clients, without this piece of information.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Great book if you want to know how to manage your thinking and acting under stress. If yu are a teacher, SLP or special educator you can help your children that came for help to you

[Katarina Agata Marković · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do I consider this an absolute 100% truth based on science? Probably not.
But the book is interesting, it gives a lot to think about, especially about different learning styles. And it's an interesting topic to discuss at parties or gatherings

[Jessica Upson · Rating 2 out of 5]

There was just enough useful information in this book that it wasn’t a total waste of time.

[Jen Watkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s got good info. But the instructions to find your (or another person’s) dominants is a bit confusing and I found difficult to do. I like all the advice.

[Leonardo Terra · Rating 1 out of 5]

it brings very interesting info which makes it worth it. but some points are so incongruent and SO ABSURDLY stupid and yet she takes it serious that honestly makes me mad.

[RaeAnna Goss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish all educators could read and implement these types of strategies - for the children's sake <3
It has helped me understand my children better - and myself! I plan to make myself a list of ways to check if I am helping my children integrate not only in schoolwork but when life gets stressful too. I hope to read more of Dr. Hannaford's books in the future!

[Lora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! You can learn so much about dominant "brain", eye, ear, hand, foot, etc. and how it all affects your own learning and how others learn!

[Hilary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book helped me understand my daughter and how she learns. I found the description to fit her learning style and how she acts under stress. It is a great addition with the Brain Gym program.

[Laura Luz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excelente herramienta para entender mejor los estilos de aprendizaje en el aula y en la vida diaria.