LEARNING STYLES Objectives Explore three different learning styles

LEARNING STYLES

Objectives • Explore three different learning styles including visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. • Identify your individual dominant learning style. • Discuss specific changes you can make to improve your learning, study habits, and information retention.

The capacity to learn is a gift; The ability to learn is a skill; The willingness to learn is a choice. Brian Herbert

Types of Learning Styles

• Now take the Learning Styles Quiz to determine your dominant learning style

Which learning style best fits you? • When analyzing your results you may see that your learning style includes more than one particular style, though typically one will be more dominant. • Once you have identified your learning style(s), read the learning styles explanations as well as the learning/study tips. • Consider how having knowledge of your learning style can help you become a better student.

Visual Learner Characteristics • • • Learns best by reading or seeing pictures Understands and remembers things by sight Can picture what they are learning in their head Takes a lot of notes Often closes their eyes to visualize or remember something Will find something to watch if they are bored May have difficulty with spoken directions Easily distracted by sounds Attracted to color and to spoken language that is rich in imagery

Tips for Visual Learner • • Sit near the front of the classroom Have your eyesight checked on a regular basis Use flashcards to learn new words/concepts Try to visualize things that you hear or things that are read to you Write down key words, ideas, or instructions Draw pictures to help explain new concepts and then explain the pictures Color code things Avoid noise distractions during study times

Auditory Learner • Learns best by listening • Understands and remembers things that are heard • Stores information by the way it sounds • Has an easier time understanding spoken instructions rather than written ones • Likes to read out loud • Has to hear it or speak it in order to know it • Hums or talks to self or others if bored

Tips for Auditory Learners • Sit where you can hear • Have your hearing checked on a regular basis • Use flashcards to learn new words and read them out loud • Read stories, assignments, or directions out loud • Record yourself reading information and then listen to the recording • Have test questions read to you • Study new material by reading it out loud

Kinesthetic (Tactile) Learner • Learns by touching and doing • Understands and remembers things through physical movement • Prefers to touch, move, build, or draw when learning • Often speaks with hands and with gestures • May have difficulty sitting still and needs frequent breaks • Likes to take things apart and put things together • Usually well coordinated and has good athletic ability • Can easily remember things that were done, but may have difficulty remembering what was seen or heard in the process • Often communicates by touching

Tips for Kinesthetic Learner • Participate in activities that involve touching, building, moving, or drawing • Chew gum, walk around, or rock in a chair while reading or studying • Use flashcards and arrange them in groups to show relationships between ideas • Trace words with your finger to learn to spell unfamiliar words • Take frequent, short breaks during reading or studying periods • Tap a pencil, shake your foot, or hold on to something while learning • Use a computer to reinforce learning through the sense of touch

References Constantinidou, F. & Baker, S. (2002). Stimulus modality and verbal learning performance in normal aging. Brain and Language, 82(3), 296– 311. University of Pennsylvania (2009). Visual Learners Convert Words To Pictures In The Brain And Vice Versa, Says Psychology Study. Science. Daily. Educationplanner. org nwlink. com/donclark/hrd/styles/vakt. html