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Understanding
Different Learning Styles
What is the best way
to learn?
The best way for a person
to learn depends on the person, of course. It is well know that
people have different leaning styles that work best for them.
The best approach for an instructor to take is to address a
variety of learning styles with their teaching plan. It is also
helpful to encourage students to understand their preferred
leaning style. By the time students reach the college level
it is often assumed that they have figured out the best and
most productive way to study to retain information. Of course,
this is not a correct assumption. Teachers should make students
aware of the various learning styles and encourage them to consider
their preferred style as they complete their studies.
Providing the right environment
conducive to learning
The classroom environment can also have a big
effect on the amount of learning that occurs. Here again, people
are different and have different environmental preferences.
Nevertheless, understand what effects the learning process is
important to know. Some of the common learning styles and environmental
factors that should be considered when attempting to create
the best learning conditions are listed below.
(This following information was adapted from:
Moore, Carol. (1992). Learning Styles - Classroom Adaptation<based
primarily on Carbo Learning Styles>.
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Learning Styles
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DESCRIPTION
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Structure of Lessons
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Most students learn best when there is a logical sequential,
delineated lesson that provides the objective and systematic
steps to do the assignment. This type of student benefits
from the use of rubrics so that they can better follow
lectures and assignments. However, some students do not
like much structure and appreciate being given choices
and allowed to be creative.
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Sociological
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Some students benefit greatly from group activities and
other do not. For those who are peer learners, pair them
with another student when possible. For those who are
self learners, do not force them into a group/peer-learning
situation all the time. Cooperative learning is an important
learning tool but some students are more introverted than
others and may have difficulty participating in group
activities.
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Auditory
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Some students learn best by listening. Auditory learners
do well with lecture, class discussions, etc. While lecture
is considered the least effective teaching method, some
students learn best by simply listening. These students
may also be more sensitive to outside noises.
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Visual
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Visual learners benefit from a variety of ocular stimulation.
One example would be the use of colors. These students
like images and written information. They like to be able
to read instructions or the text on their own to increase
their understanding. When studying it is helpful for these
student to use different color highlighters or pens as
they are reading and taking notes. These students may
also be more sensitive to visual distractions.
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Tactile
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Most people learn best with hands-on activities, but
some gain a lot more from it than others. Some students
really increase their learn potential when they are give
they opportunity to do something by themselves Especially
in a science classroom there should be plenty of opportunities
to learn by doing.
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Formal vs. Informal
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A formal setting would be the traditional desk and chair
or possibly a table. An informal setting would be the
floor, a couch, a beanbag, etc. Every student's brain
will not function the same in the same postural position.
So when you see a student slouching in a traditional desk
or chair, it may simply mean that they would learn better
in more of a informal setting.
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Noise vs. Quiet
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Some students find sound distracting
and some find it calming. It may be beneficial to have
several study areas established. One where the noise level
is kept to a minimum and one where some background noise
is present.
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Temperature
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Room temperature also plays a key role in learning. If
a student is too cold or too hot, they will have more
of a hard time concentrating on what their learning task
is. It is recommended that the classroom temperature be
cool if possible. This way those who do not like being
cold can simply wear another layer of clothing and be
comfortable.
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Bright vs. Dim
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Everybody's eyes react differently to light. Some students
may need to sit by a bright reading lamp while others
may get a headache when too much light is present. A light
level that all students find comfortable should be sought.
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Kinesthetic
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Some people need to have continuous movement as they
are studying, such as tapping there fingers or foot on
the floor, fooling with their hair, using a stress ball,
or chewing gum. This is absolutely natural but if they
are not alone studying, make sure they do not distract
others.
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Mobility
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The human body is built to move and it does particularly
like to sit still for long periods of time. Have students
to stand, stretch, and take short breaks as needed during
studying. It is good to study in 20-30 minute increments
with a brief break between each block of time. Research
has shown that it only takes 30 seconds to rest and recharge
the brain.
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