2. exploring who I am as a sensory learner Powerpoint presentation to accompany Frontline 20(11)29-30

3. This presentation will: Introduce strategies for learning that reflect the sensory preferences described by the VARK inventory (Fleming, 1992) Develop awareness of how your sensory learning preferences shape your CPD (the learning process & how you choose to record your learning) Explore strategies/ways of adapting your approach to CPD to accommodate your sensory preference

4. Your VARK profile… a pause for thought Sensory preferences are just one aspect of who we are as learners. Thinking about your approach to learning: Is your VARK profile an accurate reflection of how you like to perceive/process information? Does your sensory learning preference influence what/how much you learn from different CPD opportunities/learning environments?

5. VARK

6. Visual learners....like to see information Use models if they’re available Try changing places in a room while you’re studying to get a different perspective Try visualising ideas & facts in your mind Use colour to highlight important information Use planners or timelines to help you organise yourself Draw a mind-map (useful to link ideas) Draw charts or maps to help you understand Helpful hints for visual learners Check availability of software (e.g. FreeMind, Inspiration, Mindgenius, Xmind) designed to make it easier to create e- Mindmaps. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thinking_Maps for inspiration!http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thinking_Maps Experiment using different software packages e.g. Excel or Google calendar to create digital timelines/activity charts

7. Auditory learners... like to hear information Set up a small learning group – to create space for you to talk through and discuss information and ideas Focus on the stories and anecdotes in a presentation to help you understand/remember the information If you are taking notes in a lecture/formal presentation, leave some gaps on the page – to fill in later, once you’ve had a chance to chat through the ideas with someone else Think about audio-recording information/ideas/reflective memos. You’ll probably find a digital recorder on your mobile phone or MP3 player You might also enjoy listening to podcasts of relevant topics (e.g. audio downloads from the BBC’s website) Experiment with use of sound or silence when you are studying

8. Some learners like to process text-based information.... 1.Write out your notes repeatedly 2.Rewrite ideas/principles in other words 3.Organise visual material e.g. charts & diagrams into words/statements 4.Label your lists of information with a letter/number 5.Structure your information with headings & subheadings 6.Create questions for yourself to answer – once your answer has been corrected, you can use it as a set of notes....

9. Kinaesthetic learners need to move/handle information.... Move around as you study Work through problems physically Mentally review ideas while you’re active doing other things Use models & machines Use case studies/applications to help you make abstract concepts real Use role play to help link theory-practice

10. In practice… Thinking about your sensory learning preferences... what would you need to do (before/during/after) to maximise your learning from the following CPD opportunities: an audio podcast practising a specific technique with a peer a journal article a visit to an art gallery Why not evaluate the effectiveness of your strategies by putting your plan into action...? Have a look at CPD Syd’s guide for information about publicly available sensory learning experiences