Learning Styles and Techniques.

Dear Tutors,

 

Many people recognize that each person prefers different learning styles and techniques.

 

 

The Seven Learning Styles

 

• Visual (spatial): You prefer using pictures, images, and spatial understanding.

 

• Aural (auditory-musical): You prefer using sound and music.

 

• Verbal (linguistic): You prefer using words, both in speech and writing.

 

• Physical (Kinesthetic): You prefer using your body, hands and sense of touch.

 

• Logical (mathematical): You prefer using logic, reasoning and systems.

 

• Social (interpersonal): You prefer to learn in groups or with other people.
•  
• Solitary (intrapersonal): You prefer to work alone and use self-study.

 

 

Why Learning Styles?

 

 

By recognizing and understanding your adult learners learning style, you can use techniques that improves the speed and quality of their learning.

Techniques

Here are some helpful tips on how to help your adult learner succeed:

         Visual learners:

          Make work visual.

 

 

• Use charts, graphs and tables.          
• Have the learner take notes.
• Highlight important information.
• Write down anything important.

 

          Auditory learners:

 

           Think aloud.

• Have the learner state aloud the goals and steps to the goals.
• In math, have them talk through the steps.

            Read aloud.

• Auditory learners understand material better if they hear it.
• Before beginning to read, set a purpose and verbalize it.

             Use a tape recorder.

• Have the learner speak ideas into a tape recorder.
• Using a tape recorder will allow the learner to think it out.

           Linguistic learners:

 

           Read aloud.

• Use energetic speech, make it dramatic.
• Find ways to incorporate more speaking and writing techniques.

           Role play. 

• Work with others using role play.

          

         Kinesthetic learners:

 

         Make learning physical.

• Have the learner work at a standing desk.
• Have the learner stand or pace.
• Have the learner stand, stretch, and take a few deep breaths.
• Have the learner use chalkboards or whiteboards.
• Allow the learner to manipulate soft, quiet toys, (koosh balls or play dough).

            Use color.

• Use highlighters.
• Use colored transparencies over print.
• Decorate the work area with colors and posters.

 

            Logical learners:

            Organizing

 

• Creating story problems based on real life.
• Create and use lists by extracting, issues.
• Create key points of the material.
• Create games and make calendars.

 

           Social learners:

           Group work

 

• Work on group projects.
• Giving and receiving feedback.
• Communication.

 

           Solitary learners:

            Organization

 

• Set goals and objectives.
• Suggest a log or journal. 

 

 

Sources:

www.learning-styles-online.com/overview/

 

http://cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/library/literacy/oltt/lesson12_2.html