As a parent, you want to provide your child with the best education possible, one that not only imparts knowledge but also fosters critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability. At QMAK, we believe that the key to achieving this lies in developing whole-brain thinking, a balanced approach that integrates logic and intuition, relationships and tasks.

The concept of whole-brain thinking is rooted in the understanding that our brains have different thinking styles, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. In their book “Strategy of the Dolphin,” authors Dudley Lynch and Paul L. Kordis identify four main thinking styles: the carp, the shark, the pseudo-enlightened carp, and the dolphin.

The carp represents a passive, risk-averse thinking style that often leads to inaction and missed opportunities. The shark, on the other hand, is aggressive and single-minded, focused solely on achieving its goals at any cost. The pseudo-enlightened carp appears open-minded but lacks the ability to translate ideas into action. Finally, the dolphin represents a balanced, adaptive thinking style that integrates the best aspects of the other styles while avoiding their pitfalls.

At QMAK, our philosophy is centered on nurturing the dolphin mindset in our learners. We believe that by encouraging whole-brain thinking, we can help children develop the cognitive flexibility and problem-solving skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

So, how can you foster whole-brain thinking in your homeschooled child?

Here are some practical strategies:

1. Encourage questioning: Promote a culture of curiosity and inquiry in your home. Encourage your child to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and seek deeper understanding. As Lynch and Kordis note, “dolphins understand that they are flow” – they are constantly adapting and learning from their environment.
2. Integrate different subjects: Help your child see the connections between different areas of knowledge. For example, when studying history, explore the art, music, and literature of the time period to provide a more holistic understanding. This helps develop the ability to think across disciplines and make creative connections.
3. Use multiple teaching methods: Engage your child’s different senses and learning styles by using a variety of teaching methods, such as hands-on projects, visual aids, and collaborative discussions. This helps activate different parts of the brain and promotes more comprehensive understanding.
4. Embrace failure as learning: Encourage your child to take risks and view mistakes as opportunities for growth. As Lynch and Kordis write, “dolphins self-correct because they are introspecting constantly.” By modeling a growth mindset, you can help your child develop resilience and adaptability.
5. Foster emotional intelligence: Whole-brain thinking involves not just cognitive skills but also emotional intelligence. Help your child develop self-awareness, empathy, and effective communication skills through role-playing, reflective journaling, and open discussions about feelings and relationships.

At QMAK, our unique “Question More, Action Knowledge” philosophy aligns perfectly with the principles of whole-brain thinking. By providing learners with the tools and mindset to ask probing questions, seek actionable knowledge, and apply their learning in meaningful ways, we aim to cultivate the dolphin mindset in every child.

Developing whole-brain thinking is a journey, not a destination. By consistently applying these strategies and embracing the QMAK philosophy, you can help your child develop the cognitive flexibility, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving skills they need to navigate an increasingly complex world.

As they learn to integrate logic and intuition, relationships and tasks, they will be better prepared to face the challenges and opportunities of the future with confidence and resilience.