Section 1: An introduction to learning styles
What
are learning styles
Learning styles vary
from one person to the next. No two people learn in the same way. However,
studies of groups of individuals and learning styles have resulted in terms
being coined to describe different types of learners, such as:
active/reflective, sensory/intuitive, visual/verbal, sequential/global.
Types
of learning
Active
learners -
enjoy working in groups and learn to figure out problems by trying. They prefer
to handle objects and to do physical experiments.
Reflective
learners - prefer
to figure out a problem on their own. They think things through, evaluate the
various options, and learn by analysis.
Sensory
learners -
look first for facts and prefer concrete, practical and procedural information.
Intuitive
learners -
look for meaning and prefer conceptual, innovative and theoretical information.
Visual
learners - understand
drawings (e.g. a spider diagram) that represent information.
Verbal
learners -
like to hear or read information and understand best explanations that use
words.
Sequential
learners -
need information in a linear and orderly manner. They piece together the
details to understand the bigger picture.
Global learners - see the big picture first and then fill in the
details systematically. This is called a holistic approach to learning.
The three types of learning styles
Visual Learners learn by sight
Auditory Learners learn by hearing
Tactile Learners (kinesthetic) learn by touch
Each of these three
types of cue (visual, auditory and kinaesthetic) appeals to some people but not
to others, so how information is presented can affect how people perceive it.
- An auditory learner is most comfortable absorbing information that they have heard or discussed.
- A visual learner prefers to learn through seeing the information rather than
- A kinaesthetic learner prefers to learn through practical classes and hands-on activities, rather than by reading books and listening to lectures.
Having developed
information, how you process it mentally (by thinking about it and memorising
it) can also vary. When grasping facts, you might prefer to deal with concrete,
practical examples or you might be happier with abstract concepts and
generalisations.
In ordering
information, some people prefer to receive facts in a logical, sequential way
so that they can build up a picture one step at a time. Others prefer an
overview straightaway, so they look for the big picture first and can then
focus on the details. Some people engage with the information they have
gathered by active experimentation, while others prefer to let things sink in
through reflective observation.
Section 2: Identification of preferred learning styles
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By doing both of these tests I appear to be and auditory learner. I agree with this as I do find it easier to
learn by listening in order to learn. For example in programming class I needed
to hear how to do the task we are given.
Section 3: Benefits from knowing your own learning
style
What
is a learning style?
A learning style is a particular way in which the mind
receives and processes information
You are a unique learner. No one else learns in
exactly the same way as you. There are many benefits to discovering how you
process information best;
Academic
Benefits
A Learning style gives you a head start and maximizes
your learning potential, it enables you to succeed in school or college or
university. It gives you customized techniques to score better on tests and
exams and allows you to learn “your way” – through your own best strategies. By
having a learning style it shows you how to overcome the limitations of poor
instructors. Another benefit is that it reduces the stress and frustration of
learning experiences and also expands your existing learning and studying
strategies.
My Academic Benefits - Having my own learning style
allowed me to have my own way of learning through my own best strategies and
reduced the stress and frustration of my learning experiences. For example
helped me to learn more easily in most of my classes.
Personal
Benefits
Having a learning style means your self-confidence
increases and improves your self-image. It teaches you how to use your brain in
the best possible way and gives you insight into your strengths, weaknesses and
habits. Another benefit would be that it enables you to enjoy any learning
process and inspires greater curiosity, motivation for lifelong learning.
Finally it shows you how to take advantage of your natural skills &
inclinations.
My Personal Benefits – Having my own learning style
taught me how to use my brain in the best possible way and gives me an insight
into my own strengths, weaknesses and habits. For example I now know
Professional
Benefits
If you have a learning style it enables you to stay
up-to-date professionally and gives you an edge over your competitors. It
allows you to manage teams more effectively and guides you in delivering
effective presentations to diverse audiences. It improves your persuasive and
sales skills, helps you improve cooperation among colleagues and translates
learning power into earning power.
My Professional Benefits – Having my own learning
style enabled me to stay up-to-date professionally and gives me an edge over my
competitors.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
SRC Moodle
BTEC NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN IT by Jenny Lawson
BBC.CO.UK
EDUCATIONPLANNER.ORG
YAHOO ANSWERS
WIKIPEDIA
EHOW.COM
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