Learning John Baker, Foundation Portfolio instructor

Learning 3 Types of Learning Styles 1. The Visual Learner

Learning The 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

Learning The 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

Learning 3 Types of Learning Styles 2. The Auditory Learner

Learning The 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

Learning The 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

Learning 3 Types of Learning Styles 3. The Tactile/Kinesthetic Learner

Learning The 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

Learning The 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

Learning Don’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)

Learning Hemispheric Dominance

Learning Hemispheric Dominance The Left Hemisphere  The Right Hemisphere  Corpus Callosum

Learning The Left Hemisphere Generally processes information in a logical and sequential order More: Auditory Analytical Ordered Rational

Learning The 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 V isual A ural R ead/Write K inesthetic 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 V isual A ural R ead/Write K inesthetic 1. Complete the VARK Questionnaire 2. Use the scoring chart to calculate scores 3. go to 4. Click ‘Helpsheets’ and look up suggested strategies based on your VARK preferences 5. Use results as basis for journal

 Resources:  Materials adapted from learn.com