LEARNING AND TEACHING STYLE

 LEARNING AND TEACHING STYLE

LEARNING STYLE:

             Learning styles refer to a range of competing and contested theories that aim to account for differences in individuals' learning. These theories propose that all people can be classified according to their 'style' of learning, although the various theories present differing views on how the styles should be defined and categorized. A common concept is that individuals differ in how they learn. Proponents recommend that teachers assess the learning styles of their students and adapt their classroom methods to best fit each student's learning style.

          Technically, an individual’s learning style refers to the preferential way in which the student absorbs, processes, comprehends and retains information. For example, when learning how to build a clock, some students understand the process by following verbal instructions, while others have to physically manipulate the clock themselves. This notion of individualized learning styles has gained widespread recognition in education theory and classroom management strategy. Individual learning styles depend on cognitive, emotional and environmental factors, as well as one’s prior experience. In other words: everyone’s different. It is important for educators to understand the differences in their students’ learning styles, so that they can implement best practice strategies into their daily activities, curriculum and assessments.

Types of learning styles

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

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

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

4.        Physical (kinesthetic): prefer using your body, hands and sense of touch.

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

6.       Social (interpersonal): prefer to learn in groups or with other people.

7.        Solitary (intrapersonal): prefer to work alone and use self-study.

Why learning styles?

       Your learning styles have more influence than you may realize. Your preferred styles guide the way you learn. They also change the way you internally represent experiences, the way you recall information, and even the words you choose.

VARK Model

     One of the most accepted understandings of learning styles is that student learning styles fall into three “categories:” Visual Learners, Auditory Learners and Kinesthetic Learners. These learning styles are found within educational theorist Neil Fleming ’s VARK model of Student Learning. VARK is an acronym that refers to the four types of learning styles: Visual, Auditory, Reading/Writing Preference, and Kinesthetic.

        The VARK model acknowledges that students have different approaches to how they process information, referred to as “preferred learning modes.” The main ideas of VARK are outlined in Learning Styles Again: VARKing up the right tree! (Fleming & Baume, 2006)

·         Students’ preferred learning modes have significant influence on their behavior and learning.

·         Students’ preferred learning modes should be matched with appropriate learning strategies.

·         Information that is accessed through students’ use of their modality preferences shows an increase in their levels of comprehension, motivation, and metacognition.

         Identifying your students as visual, auditory, reading/writing or kinesthetic learners, and aligning your overall curriculum with these learning styles, will prove to be beneficial for your entire classroom. Allowing students to access information in terms they are comfortable with will increase their academic confidence.

SWOT Strategies

         Referred to as SWOT (“Study Without Tears”), Flemings provides advice on how students can use their learning modalities and skills to their advantage when studying for an upcoming test or assignment.

Visual SWOT Strategies

Ø  Utilize graphic organizers such as charts, graphs, and diagrams.

Ø   Redraw your pages from memory.

Ø   Replace important words with symbols or initials.

Ø  Highlight important key terms in corresponding colors.

Aural SWOT Strategies

Ø  Record your summarized notes and listen to them on tape.

Ø  Talk it out. Have a discussion with others to expand upon your understanding of a topic.

Ø  Reread your notes and/or assignment out loud.

Ø   Explain your notes to your peers/fellow “aural” learners.

Read/Write SWOT Strategies

Ø  Write, write and rewrite your words and notes.

Ø  Reword main ideas and principles to gain a deeper understanding.

Ø  Organize diagrams, charts, and graphic organizers into statements.

Kinesthetic SWOT Strategies

Ø  Use real life examples, applications and case studies in your summary to help with abstract concepts.

Ø  Redo lab experiments or projects.

Ø  Utilize pictures and photographs that illustrate your idea.

 

Strategies for the Kinesthetic Learner (learns best by doing — “hands on”)

Ø  Pace or walk around while referencing your notes and reciting to yourself.

Ø  If you need to fidget, try doing so in a way which will not disturb others. Use the Tangle Jr., Wikki Sticks, or a stress ball.

Ø  You might not study best while at a desk. Try lying on your stomach or back on a comfortable lounge chair.

Ø   Studying with music in the background might suit you (instrumental music is best – as opposed to heavily rhythm-based music).

Ø   While studying, take frequent breaks. A reasonable schedule would be 20-30 minutes of study, and 5 minutes of break time.

Strategies for the Auditory Learner (learns best by hearing)

Ø  Study with a friend, parent, or group so you can discuss and hear the information.

Ø   Recite out loud the information you want to remember several times.

Ø   Make your own tapes of important points you want to remember and listen to it repeatedly. This is especially useful for learning material for tests.

Ø   When doing math calculations, use grid paper to help you set your sums out correctly and in their correct columns.

Ø   Use different colors and pictures in your notes, exercise books, etc. This will help you remember them.

Strategies for the Visual Learner (learns best by seeing)

Ø  Try to work in a quiet place. Some visual learners like soft music in the background.

Ø   Most visual learners learn best alone.

Ø   When studying, take many notes and write down lots of details.

Ø   When trying to learn material by writing out notes, cover your notes then re-write. Rewriting will help you remember better.

Ø   Use color to highlight main ideas.

Ø  Before reading a chapter or a book, preview it first by scanning the pictures, headings, terms in bold and so on.

Ø  When creating flashcards, always add a picture cue to aide memory.

Importance of learning style

Ø  By understanding what kind of learner, you and/or your students are, you can now gain a better perspective on how to implement these learning styles into your lesson plans and study techniques.

Ø  Academic.

Ø  gives you a head start and maximizes your learning potential.

Ø  enables you to succeed in school, college, university.

Ø  gives you customized techniques to score better on tests and exams.

Ø  allows you to learn “your way” – through your own best strategies.

Ø  shows you how to overcome the limitations of poor instructors.

Ø  reduces the stress and frustration of learning experiences.

Ø  expands your existing learning and studying strategies.

 Personal

§ increases your self-confidence

§ improves your self-image

§ teaches you how to use your brain best

§ gives your insight into your strengths, weaknesses, and habits

§ enables you to enjoy any learning process

§ inspires greater curiosity and motivation for lifelong learning

§ shows you how to take advantage of your natural skills and inclinations

Professional

§ enables you to stay up-to-date professionally

§ gives you an edge over your competitors

§ allows you to manage teams more effectively

§ guides you in delivering effective presentations to diverse audiences

§ improves your persuasive and sales skills

§ helps you improve cooperation among colleagues

§ translates learning power into earning power

Factors effecting on learning style

Ø  Intellectual factors-brilliance or intellectual capacity of students effects their learning styles.

Ø   Mental factors

Ø   Emotional factors (explain each point in own words)

Ø   Social factors- family, society

Ø  Teachers approach and personality

Ø  Environmental factors-each type of leaner prefers different learning environment. Peaceful and calm environment-for solitary leaners, social leaners prefer to study in groups mostly in an open space

Ø   Economic factors-poverty, lack of proper facilities

Ø  Health conditions-physical wellbeing, any diseases.