LearningJohn Baker, Foundation Portfolio instructor

Learning3 Types of Learning Styles

1. The Visual Learner

LearningThe Visual Learner

Definition: Prefers visual sense. Must see to understand. Learns best by

reading and watching.

Example: Assembling a Child’s Toy

-Tries to duplicate the picture on the box.

-Reads instructions silently while assembling the toy

LearningThe Visual Learner

Study Tips

• Use colored paper, highlighters, color-code, etc

• Try to look at visual aides, graphs, and charts if available

• Use symbols to represent words in notes

• Write LARGE

Learning3 Types of Learning Styles

2. The Auditory Learner

LearningThe Auditory Learner

Definition: Prefers auditory sense. Must hear to understand. Learns best by listening to an explanation

Example: Assembling a Child’s Toy

-Reads instructions aloud while working

-May even ask someone to read each step to them

LearningThe Auditory Learner

Study Tips

• Attend class and listen carefully to instructor

• Take very accurate notes

• Discuss topics with others and describe lessons to others

• Rewrite notes and then say them aloud

Learning3 Types of Learning Styles

3. The Tactile/Kinesthetic Learner

LearningThe Tactile/Kinesthetic Learner

Definition: Kinesthetic = sensation of movement. This person prefers tactile sense, or touch. Learns best by engaging in hands- on or physical/motor activity Example: Assembling a Child’s Toy

-Probably ignores instructions and just puts pieces together until it works

-Utilizes a trial-and-error approach

LearningThe Tactile/Kinesthetic Learner

Study Tips

• Study with interspersed exercise

• Make tons of models and/or posters

• Associate lessons with senses (i.e. what would it taste like?)

• Write and rewrite A LOT

• Act out lessons

LearningDon’t Just Use One, Be Able

to Adapt

Teaching Method Learning Style Adaptive Strategies

Lecture/Class Discussion Auditory Take notes (tactile & visual) and watch for visual cues such as gestures and facial expressions. Pay attention to board (visual)

Videotaped Presentations Visual Listen to explanations or Use of Visual Aids comments and copy them into

your notes (auditory & tactile)

Hands-On or Motor Activity Tactile/Kinesthetic Summarize the activity in your notes to read later (auditory &

visual). Listen to explanations that accompany the activity (auditory)

LearningHemispheric Dominance

LearningHemispheric Dominance

LearningThe Left Hemisphere

Generally processes information in a logical and sequential order

More: Auditory

Analytical

Ordered

Rational

LearningThe Right Hemisphere

Generally processes information in a more creative and intuitive manner

More: Visual

Random

Holistic (concerned more with the

whole, not analyses of parts)

The VARK

Visual Aural Read/Write Kinesthetic

• Survey meant to help in identifying your own specific learning strategy

• Has a website that has a lot of additional information and helpful strategies based on your results

• Very short survey but provides a plethora of information

The VARK

Visual Aural Read/Write Kinesthetic

1. Complete the VARK Questionnaire

2. Use the scoring chart to calculate scores

3. go to www.vark-learn.com

4. Click ‘Helpsheets’ and look up suggested strategies based on your VARK preferences

5. Use results as basis for journal

Resources:Resources:

Materials adapted from http://www.vark-Materials adapted from http://www.vark-learn.comlearn.com