Ivy Tech Adjunct Faculty Indianapolis Creative Classroom Reach all students by using learning styles in your teaching Lynn Hanen, MS Ivy Tech Adjunct Faculty Indianapolis

Learning Styles Individuals perceive and process information in very different ways. The learning styles theory implies that how much individuals learn has more to do with whether the educational experience is geared toward their particular style of learning than whether or not they are “smart.” In fact, educators should not ask, “Is this student smart?” but rather “How is this student smart?”

Learning Style Theory Based on research heredity upbringing environmental demands Individuals perceive and process knowledge differently concrete and abstract perceivers active and reflective processors

Concrete and Abstractive perceivers Concrete Percievers: absorb information through direct experience, by doing, acting, sensing, and feeling. Abstractive Perceivers: take in information through analysis, observation, and thinking

Active and Reflective Processors Active Processors: make sense of an experience by immediately using the new information Reflective Processors: make sense of an experience by reflecting on and thinking about it

Traditional Schooling We Need to Start Thinking “Out of the Box” Favors: abstract perceiving thinkers reflective processing Not Rewarded: concrete perceivers doing, acting active processors Immediate use

Learning Styles Impact Education Curriculum – educators must place emphasis on intuition, feeling, sensing, and imagination, in addition to the traditional skills of analysis, reason, and problem solving. Instruction – all learning styles should be used to connect with students Assessment – focus on developing the whole brain, use different learning styles

Learning Styles Found in the Classroom Do you recognize these students? Visual Learners: take numerous detailed notes tend to sit in the front are usually neat and clean often close their eyes to visualize or remember something find something to watch if they are bored like to see what they are learning benefit from illustrations and presentations that use color are attracted to written or spoken language rich in imagery prefer stimuli to be isolated from auditory and kinesthetic distraction find passive surroundings ideal

Auditory Learners sit where they can hear but needn’t pay attention to what is happening in front may not coordinate colors or clothes, but can explain why they are wearing what they are wearing and why hum or talk to themselves or others when bored acquire knowledge by reading aloud remember by verbalizing lessons to themselves(if they don’t they have difficulty reading maps or diagrams or handling conceptual assignments like mathematics)

Kinesthetic Learners need to be active and take frequent breaks speak with their hands and with gestures remember what was done, but have difficulty recalling what was said or seen find reasons to tinker or move when bored rely on what they can directly experience or perform activities such as cooking, construction, engineering and art help them perceive and learn enjoy field trips and tasks that involve manipulating materials sit near the door or someplace else where they can easily get up and move around are uncomfortable in classrooms where they lack opportunities for hands-on-experiences communicate by touching and appreciate physically expressed encouragement, such as a pat on the back

Purple – 65% Visual Blue – 20% Auditory Yellow – 5% Tactile

Benefits of Understanding your Learning Style Academic Advantages · Maximizing your learning potential · Succeed on all educational levels · Understand how to best study and score better on exams and tests · Overcome limitations in the classroom · Reduces frustration and stress levels · Expand your existing learning strategies

Personal Advantages · Improve your self-confidence and self-esteem · Learn how to best use your brain · Gain insight into your own strengths as well as weaknesses · Learn how to enjoy learning more · Develop a motivation for learning · How to maximize your natural abilities and skills

Professional Advantages · Stay up to date on professional topics · Gain an edge over the competition · Manage teams in a more effective manner · Learn how to deliver more effective presentations · Improve your sales skills · Increasing your earning power

Educational Learning Styles Visual (spatial) – prefer using pictures, images, and spatial understanding Aural (auditory-musical) - prefer using sound and music Verbal (linguistic) - prefer using words, both in speech and writing Physical (kinesthetic) – prefer using your body, hands and sense of touch.

Logical (mathematical) – prefer using logic, reasoning and systems Social (interpersonal) – prefer to learn in groups or with other people Solitary (intrapersonal) – prefer to work alone and use self-study WHICH TYPE OF INSTRUCTOR OR You?