Why Learning Styles? Understand the basis of learning stylesYour learning styles have more influence than you may realize. Your preferred styles guide the way you learn. They also change the way you internally represent experiences, the way you recall information, and even the words you choose. We explore more of these features in this chapter.
Overall basics: global and analytical learners:
Global learners need to understand concepts before they start concentrating on the details. Endless facts tend to bore them and they lose interest fast. They understand things better when they are introduced to them through short stories, illustrations, humor, or anecdotes. Globals like to learn by being actively involved with information that is interesting and related to their lives.
Analytic learners follow a more conventional pattern. They prefer to concentrate on a series of facts that move toward a gradual understanding of an overall concept. Having information introduced in a step-by-step approach enables children with analytic styles to learn best.
Research shows us that each learning style uses different parts of the brain. By involving more of the brain during learning, we remember more of what we learn. Researchers using brain-imaging technologies have been able to find out the key areas of the brain responsible for each learning style.
Overview of Learning Styles
Many people recognize that each person prefers different learning styles and techniques. Learning styles group common ways that people learn. Everyone has a mix of learning styles. Some people may find that they have a dominant style of learning, with far less use of the other styles. Others may find that they use different styles in different circumstances. There is no right mix. Nor are your styles fixed. You can develop ability in less dominant styles, as well as further develop styles that you already use well.
The Seven Learning Styles
Visual (spatial): prefers using pictures, images, and spatial understanding - learns through seeing... .
These learners need to see the teacher's body language and facial expression to fully understand the content of a lesson. They tend to prefer sitting at the front of the classroom to avoid visual obstructions (e.g. people's heads). They may think in pictures and learn best from visual displays including: diagrams, illustrated text books, overhead transparencies, videos, flipcharts and hand-outs. During a lecture or classroom discussion, visual learners often prefer to take detailed notes to absorb the information.
Aural (auditory-musical): prefers using sound and music - learns through listening...
They learn best through verbal lectures, discussions, talking things through and listening to what others have to say. Auditory learners interpret the underlying meanings of speech through listening to tone of voice, pitch, speed and other nuances. Written information may have little meaning until it is heard. These learners often benefit from reading text aloud and using a tape recorder.
Verbal (linguistic): prefers using words, both in speech and writing – prefers speaking and writing.
Physical (kinesthetic): prefers using your body, hands and sense of touch - learns through , moving, doing and touching...
Tactile/kinesthetic persons learn best through a hands-on approach, actively exploring the physical world around them
Logical (mathematical): You prefer using logic, reasoning and systems.
Social (interpersonal): You prefer to learn in groups or with other people.
Solitary (intrapersonal): You prefer to work alone and use self-study.
Books:
Cynthia Ulrich Tobias
- The Way They Learn (click here for PDF format)
- Every Child Can Succeed
- Bringing Out the Best in Your Child
Mariaemma Willis - Discover Your Child's Learning Style
Websites:
Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers
HSLDA
Kindred Grace
A2Z Home's Cool
Homeschool.com
Online Assessment for Learning Styles: Vark and Education Plannner
Overall basics: global and analytical learners:
Global learners need to understand concepts before they start concentrating on the details. Endless facts tend to bore them and they lose interest fast. They understand things better when they are introduced to them through short stories, illustrations, humor, or anecdotes. Globals like to learn by being actively involved with information that is interesting and related to their lives.
Analytic learners follow a more conventional pattern. They prefer to concentrate on a series of facts that move toward a gradual understanding of an overall concept. Having information introduced in a step-by-step approach enables children with analytic styles to learn best.
Research shows us that each learning style uses different parts of the brain. By involving more of the brain during learning, we remember more of what we learn. Researchers using brain-imaging technologies have been able to find out the key areas of the brain responsible for each learning style.
Overview of Learning Styles
Many people recognize that each person prefers different learning styles and techniques. Learning styles group common ways that people learn. Everyone has a mix of learning styles. Some people may find that they have a dominant style of learning, with far less use of the other styles. Others may find that they use different styles in different circumstances. There is no right mix. Nor are your styles fixed. You can develop ability in less dominant styles, as well as further develop styles that you already use well.
The Seven Learning Styles
Visual (spatial): prefers using pictures, images, and spatial understanding - learns through seeing... .
These learners need to see the teacher's body language and facial expression to fully understand the content of a lesson. They tend to prefer sitting at the front of the classroom to avoid visual obstructions (e.g. people's heads). They may think in pictures and learn best from visual displays including: diagrams, illustrated text books, overhead transparencies, videos, flipcharts and hand-outs. During a lecture or classroom discussion, visual learners often prefer to take detailed notes to absorb the information.
Aural (auditory-musical): prefers using sound and music - learns through listening...
They learn best through verbal lectures, discussions, talking things through and listening to what others have to say. Auditory learners interpret the underlying meanings of speech through listening to tone of voice, pitch, speed and other nuances. Written information may have little meaning until it is heard. These learners often benefit from reading text aloud and using a tape recorder.
Verbal (linguistic): prefers using words, both in speech and writing – prefers speaking and writing.
Physical (kinesthetic): prefers using your body, hands and sense of touch - learns through , moving, doing and touching...
Tactile/kinesthetic persons learn best through a hands-on approach, actively exploring the physical world around them
Logical (mathematical): You prefer using logic, reasoning and systems.
Social (interpersonal): You prefer to learn in groups or with other people.
Solitary (intrapersonal): You prefer to work alone and use self-study.
Books:
Cynthia Ulrich Tobias
- The Way They Learn (click here for PDF format)
- Every Child Can Succeed
- Bringing Out the Best in Your Child
Mariaemma Willis - Discover Your Child's Learning Style
Websites:
Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers
HSLDA
Kindred Grace
A2Z Home's Cool
Homeschool.com
Online Assessment for Learning Styles: Vark and Education Plannner