Learning Styles
Learning Styles
Information enters your brain three main ways: sight, hearing and touch, which one you use the most is called your Learning Style
Visual Learners learn by sight Auditory Learners learn by hearing Tactile Learners (kinesthetic) learn by touch
Visual Learners
Prefer to see information such as pictures, diagrams, cartoons, demonstrations Picture words and concepts they hear as images Easily distracted in lecture with no visual aids Overwhelmed with intense visuals accompanied by lecture Benefit from using charts, maps, notes, and flash cards when studying
Auditory Learners
Prefer to hear information spoken Can absorb a lecture with little effort May not need careful notes to learn. Often avoid eye contact in order to concentrate May read aloud to themselves Like background music when they study
J/P
Prefer concepts and theories which can give greater play to imagination and inspiration. Prefer interpretation and imagination.
Feelers
Prefer emotion to logic. Give greater weight to the impact of relationships in their decisions. Prefer positive feedback and individual recognition.
Perceivers
Like to consider all sides to a problem and may be at some risk for not completing their work. Prefer spontaneity and flexibility.
Surface Learning
Studying the minimum of what needs to be learned Relying primarily on rote memorization, often exercised at the last minute [Cramming] Motivation comes from grades In a hurry to get it over with. Risky no real learning occurs Much less likely to lead to college success
Deep Learning
Goal is to truly understand course material Involves actively constructing learning experiences Leads to better memory retention Deep learners enjoy the process of learning for its own sake Deep learners use more thinking skills
Different Teaching Styles Are they compatible with your learning style? Lecture teacher talks all period
Group discussion teacher talks but encourages discussion Small groups teacher aids (facilitates) group interaction Visual focus teacher uses lots of visual aids Verbal focus words, words & more words Logical sequence teacher presents material in a step-by-step, reasonable format Random sequence teacher jumps all over the place
Remember! No matter what your Learning Style is its very important to Be involved in class participate! Link classroom experience to the outside world Relate class concepts to your own life. Ask questions and offer criticism. Stimulate further relevant discussion. Dont get distracted stay on-task Keep an open mind: there are many ideas beyond your own.