A review of research makes it increasingly clear that findings from the areas of brain development and hemispheric specialization, student and teacher learning styles, and holistic and meaning-centered approaches to reading and writing are related, as they all contribute to a richer view of how learners learn. In brain research, the popular focus is on hemispheric specialization, but the systems regulating emotions and attentiveness cannot be neglected. Brain research is also providing indications of the different brain organization of males and females, proficient learners, and the learning disabled. Research into learning style is indicating that when teachers adapt the learning environment to accommodate learners' preferences, there is an increase in academic achievement. Correlating learning style research and hemispheric processing models has received a great deal of research attention. Inquiry into the major areas covered in this review clearly indicates that large numbers of children may have unique modes of learning that are not tapped by the conventional instructional strategies in many schools. It must be recognized that learning style is best defined as a variety of behaviors, rather than an individual trait. One figure and an 128-item list of references are included. (SLD)