Learning
Styles
Understanding
of the brain and how people learn has been growing over the last 20 years. The
role of the senses - ‘see it, hear it, do it’ is now formalised as Visual,
Auditory and Kinaesthetic learning styles. Also included is ‘interpersonal’ and
‘intrapersonal’ because reflection and collaboration have always been an
important part of learning.
When finding out about your preferred
style of learning, it is probably more helpful to think of learning as a range
of styles we all have to some degree - ‘having a strength in auditory
learning’, for example, rather than ‘being an auditory learner’.
The idea of a person having only one
learning style is incorrect, especially as our learning styles can be adapted
to suit the task we are given.
Following is a summary of the three
different forms of learning. Which one are you?
Visual Learners ...
Learn through seeing...
You need to see the teacher’s body
language and facial expression to fully understand the content of a lesson.
Try sitting at the front of the classroom
to avoid visual obstructions (e.g. people’s heads).
You think in pictures and learn best from
visual displays including: diagrams, illustrated text books, overhead
transparencies, videos, flipcharts and hand-outs. During a lesson or revision
session taking detailed notes will help you to absorb the information.
Try using topic webs or memory maps, like
this one about global warming, to organise your ideas.
Auditory Learners ...
Learn through listening ...
You learn best through verbal
explanations, discussions, talking things through and listening to what others
have to say. You learn by interpreting the underlying meanings of speech
through listening to tone of voice, pitch and speed.
Written information may have little
meaning until it is heard.
Try hearing the sentence in your head
before writing, and try learning spellings through saying words in rhyme or in
an exaggerated way (e.g. en-vi-RON-ment).
When revising, you will often benefit
from reading text aloud and using a tape recorder to record important points
for revision. Why not use your iPod!
Kinaesthetic
Learners... Learn through moving, doing and touching...
Science Revision Cards – don’t buy them –
make them!
You learn best through a hands-on
approach, actively exploring the physical world around you - you might think
better with something in your hands to fiddle with!
You may find it hard to sit still for
long periods and may become distracted by your need for activity and
exploration.
You will benefit from regular breaks
where you get up, stretch and breathe deeply.
Sorting and ranking cards with key words
or images, or manipulating symbols or props will help to focus your revision.
Try learning spellings by writing them
out several times.