Chapbook Entry: In the Mind's Eye by West

"Recently, studies of the microscopic structure of the brain and of early neurological growth patterns have provided the beginnings of solid evidence for a view of the brain different from that which has long been accepted. It is a view that emphasizes the great diversity of brain structure and capability rather than its presumed "blank slate" homogeneity. From this new perspective, it is becoming apparent that early growth processes can sometimes produce substantial diversity among different brains and that this diversity frequently has great benefit for the larger society over time, promoting forms and magnitudes of creativity that might not otherwise have been possible. Those who learn with great difficulty in one setting may learn with surprising ease in another.

This fresh perspective suggests that we should be more concerned with results than with trying to get everyone to learn things in the same way, especially if we are  more interested in creating new knowledge than in merely absorbing and passing on old knowledge. In some cases, the conventional education system may eliminate many of those who have the greatest high-level talents, especially when these talents are predominantly visual rather than verbal.

The unfortunate losses occur because of wide-spread misconceptions about what visual talents are capable of doing and where they are required. Teachers and professionals at all levels understand, of course, that visual talents are important for the visual arts, graphic design, architecture, photography, film-making, and the like. But few of those who are teaching the basic courses or designing the basic tests may fully appreciate that these same visual and spatial learners are, in some important cases, indispensible for the highest levels of original work in certain areas of science, engineering, medicine, and mathematics -- even in areas not usually thought to be highly visual. Consequently, some of those with the highest visual talents -- those who may have the best opportunity to produce really original work in certain areas -- may be barred from those areas where they might otherwise have made the greatest contributions."

-Thomas C. West, "In the Mind's Eye: Visual Thinkers, Gifted People with Dyslexia, and Other Learning Difficulties, Computer Images and the Ironies of Creativity, Updated Edition, pages 11-12. (emphasis mine)

That is a wonderfully stated piece. If this topic interests you I suggest you re-read the passage a few times and see which things come to mind on each re-reading.

If this is of interest to you I recommend reading the book. I've just started reading it after having it on my wish list for a couple of years then purchasing it over six months ago but letting it sit, neglected, on my shelf.