CDL's Spatial and Sequential Organization Page

Spatial and sequential organization is based on A. R. Luria's notion of simultaneous and successive processing. Luria is a psychologist and researcher who proposed that simultaneous and successive processing are two ways in which the brain processes or organizes information.

Simultaneous processing or organization involves the ability to hold two or more items in mind at the same time while trying to establish a relationship between them. The ability to visualize and mentally manipulate images requires this type of processing. Faces, maps, diagrams, charts and graphs are processed simultaneously For example, when we look at a face, we encounter all of the features of the face at the same time (i.e., simultaneously). In order to "understand" the face, we do not need to first see the nose, then the mouth, and next the eyes. The order in which we attend to the details of the face are not relevant to accurately perceive or "understand" it. Individuals who are good simultaneous processors would likely be successful architects, engineers or mechanics because of their ability to visualize and mentally manipulate images.

Successive processing or organization involves linking stimuli together that are presented in a specific order. The stimuli are not available at the same time, but rather arrive one after the other. The order of the information must be maintained to preserve the original meaning. The order of words in sentences, mathematical procedures, multiple-step directions, a series of digits, such as those in a phone number, and musical notes in a tune are processed sequentially. When a person speaks, the order of the words must be kept so that the listener can understand what has been said. Math procedures must be carried out in the correct order for accurate solution. If we do not dial telephone numbers in the correct order, we will not reach the desired party. Individuals who are successive processors tend to see the detail before they see the big picture. They tend to be very analytical and like information presented to them in a very sequential, organized fashion.

An awareness of simultaneous and successive processing in designing instruction and interventions for students is very important because different types of information are learned more effectively using a specific format. In addition, some students are better at processing one type of information than the other, and would benefit from specific strategies to improve their weaker processing skills.

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