Learning Styles From Cengage Learning http://college.hmco.com/instructors/ins_teachtech_foundations_module_thinkstyles.html

Definition of Concept & Theory People learn in many different ways The brain is the source of who we are and how we learn Ned Herrmann combined research on right brain/ left brain differences with research on the Triune brain to create a model that illustrates that each person basically has four brains when it comes to the process of thinking and learning Depending on which quadrants we engage, our learning processes can be very different Brain dominance leads to thinking style preferences, which impact what we pay attention to and how and what we learn best Each of these four "brains" or quadrants is listed on the next slide with words that typically characterize a person who uses that thinking style

A Rational Self D Experimental Self C Feeling Self knows how things work knows about money likes numbers is realistic is critical is logical quantifies analyzes D Experimental Self infers imagines is curious/plays likes surprises breaks rules speculates is impetuous takes risks B Safekeeping Self plans timely is neat organizes is reliable gets things done establishes procedures takes preventative action C Feeling Self feels talks a lot is emotional is expressive is supportive touches a lot likes to teach is sensitive to others Put a "1" next to descriptors most like yourself. Next put a "2" next to descriptors somewhat like you. Finally, put a "3" next to descriptors least yourself.

Put a "1" next to descriptors most like yourself Put a "1" next to descriptors most like yourself. Next put a "2" next to descriptors somewhat like you. Finally, put a "3" next to descriptors least yourself. Tally each quadrant. Find the quadrant with the lowest score. This is likely to be the quadrant you prefer the most. Gather with your fellow students who have the same preferred quadrant and discuss the following: Explain how these characteristics describe you. What courses or subjects do you like the most and why?

the quadrant you least prefer. Now find your quadrant with the highest score. This is likely to be the quadrant you least prefer. Now regroup with other students who share their least preferred quadrant and discuss the following questions: What would a course look like if the teacher taught entirely in this mode? What one characteristic from this quadrant's list could you choose to try for a week? How would you begin?

Experimental Rational Feeling Safekeeping

“A” LEARNERS - Rational EXPECTS STRUGGLES WITH Precise, to the point, information Theory & logical rationales Proof of validity Research references Textbook reading Quantifiable numbers, data sets, problems Opportunity to ask challenging questions Subject matter expertise Fun and spontaneity Playful, surprising approaches Pictures, metaphors, overviews Discovery of the content Freedom to explore Quick pace and variety in format Opportunity to experiment New ideas & concepts

“B” LEARNERS - SAFEKEEPING EXPECTS STRUGGLES WITH An organized consistent approach Staying on track, on time Complete subject chunks A beginning, middle, and end Opportunity to practice & evaluate Practical applications Examples Clear instructions/expectations Risk Ambiguity Unclear expectations/directions

“C” LEARNERS - FEELING EXPECTS STRUGGLES WITH Group discussion & involvement To share & express feelings/ideas Kinesthetic, moving around Hands-on learning Personal connection with teacher/group Emotional involvement A user-friendly learning experience Use of all the senses Too much data and analysis Lack of personal feedback Pure lecture, lack of participation

“D” LEARNERS - EXPERIMENTAL EXPECTS STRUGGLES WITH Fun and spontaneity Playful, surprising approaches Pictures, metaphors, overviews Discovery of the content Freedom to explore Quick pace and variety in format Opportunity to experiment New ideas & concepts Time management and deadlines Administration and details Lack of flexibility

Next 2 slides are for students to work on

What Does This Tell Us? We need to use all four areas of our brain – even if it is uncomfortable for us We need to respect how others think so we can communicate and work with them Teachers need to adapt instructional delivery to meet the needs of all four learners Students need to be flexible towards style of other students and teacher

A Rational Self D Experimental Self C Feeling Self knows how things work knows about money likes numbers is realistic is critical is logical quantifies analyzes D Experimental Self infers imagines is curious/plays likes surprises breaks rules speculates is impetuous takes risks B Safekeeping Self plans timely is neat organizes is reliable gets things done establishes procedures takes preventative action C Feeling Self feels talks a lot is emotional is expressive is supportive touches a lot likes to teach is sensitive to others Put a "1" next to descriptors most like yourself. Next put a "2" next to descriptors somewhat like you. Finally, put a "3" next to descriptors least yourself.

Student Name: _________________________________ Class: _________ Lowest score = most preferred style (*) Highest score = least preferred style (√)