Learning Styles
Each person learns differently from one
another, and should find out what way they learn information the
best. Learning styles are different approaches or ways of
learning. They are one’s favored way of acquiring, using, and
thinking about knowledge. The goal for all students should be
to find which way is most effective for them. A few questions
you could ask yourself in determining what your best learning
styles are:
- What is my learning style and how does
it affect my success academically?
- Is the way I am studying now working?
- How can I determine my needs and make
good decisions in my studying?
- How can I change my environment to
become a more effective student?
The three types of learning styles are
visual, auditory, and tactile.
Visual Learners:
Visual learners are able to learn through seeing. They may find
themselves learning better from visual displays such as
diagrams, illustrated textbooks, videos, hand-outs, etc. They
prefer reading about a topic over listening to a lecture about
it from a teacher. However, if they are in a lecture class,
they usually need to see the teacher’s body language and facial
expressions to fully understand what is being taught. They will
also usually take detailed notes from a lecture to study at a
later time. Visual learners have been known to find it easier
to see things in their mind’s eye and to visualize a concept
than listening to someone talk about it. Some of the careers
that are great for visual learners deal with visual art,
architecture, photography, film, design, and navigation.
Some key phrases you may find yourself using may be:
-Let’s look at it differently.
-Let’s draw a diagram.
-Let’s see how this works. -Let’s
get another perspective on this.
Study tips:
-Write out summaries of information
-Highlight and underline written material
-Use flashcards to
study
-Devise diagrams and
charts
Auditory Learners:
Auditory learners are able to learn through listening. They
usually prefer listening to information rather than reading
about it. These learners usually love class lectures and
discussions because they are able to take in what it being
talked about. Talking things out loud also helps these helps
this type of learner sort through information. Also, auditory
learners benefit from reading text aloud as well as using a tape
recorder. Auditory learners usually like to work with music and
can typically sing or play an instrument. Some possible career
paths for auditory learners are playing, conducting, or
composing music, as well as sound engineering.
Some key phrases you may find yourself using are:
-That sounds about right.
-That rings a bell.
-I hear you loud and clear.
-That’s music to my ears.
Study tips:
-Use a tape recorder for class
-Study in a group or with a partner
-Read notes aloud to yourself
-Create mnemonics to aid memorization
-Participate in class discussions -Teach
the material to someone else in the class
Kinesthetic Learners:
Kinesthetic learners are able to learn through touching,
manipulating objects, and doing things. They learn best through
a hands-on learning approach and actively exploring the physical
world around them. Most kinesthetic learners find it hard to
sit still through long lectures and may become distracted by
their need for activity. These learners enjoy sports, exercise,
and other physical activities. Exercising allows you to think
out issues and problems that you may be facing. Getting up and
moving around helps this learner figure things out rather than
just sitting at home. Kinesthetic learners also use more hand
gestures and other body language when communicating with
others. Common career paths for these learners are general
physical work, mechanical, construction, sports, and drama.
Some key phrases you may find yourself using are:
-That seems right to
me.
- That doesn’t sit right with
me.
-I don’t have a good feeling about this.
- Stay in touch.
-I can’t quite get a grip on what you are
saying.
Study tips:
-Create flashcards for studying - Take frequent study breaks
-Take notes during class -Design your
own sample quizzes
Resources:
http://www.learning-styles-online.com/
http://www.ldpride.net/learningstyles.MI.htm#Learning%20Styles%20Explained
POWER Learning by Robert S. Feldman
|
