EN130.2.2 English Composition II
Assignment 4_04,
The different kinds of learning styles
Learning is a process of transferring knowledge from the environment. Research shows that individual learn indifferent ways. This has lead to several studies which have extrapolated the different characteristics associated with how people receive, process and utilize information. A keen interest in these individual differences, named "learning styles" saw an increase in the 1960s. Each and every people have their own learning style. Differences in the ways in which people learn their best. Learning style varies with persons and usually they adopt different ways they feel comfortable with.
Today, even as the field of psychology has made as shift to studying more in-depth behaviors of group, learnings styles continues to play significant roles in how human beings learn. What seems to remain a constant in attempting to interpret how learning is done is the complexity of the human mind in terms. It is quite unique that one person is able to process information one way while another does so in a contrasting manner, yet both people receive, process and ultimately arrive at the same level of knowledge about what they are taught. Understanding learning styles, which are often simple, yet complex, allows educators and trainers to tailor their methods of teaching and materials to accommodate different styles of learning. Generally speaking, there are three types of learning styles. People receive process and retain information by using visual, auditory or kinesthetic methods. There has also been evidence that these learning styles often lead learners to develop characteristics that have led experts to properly gauge levels of intelligence.
Those that learn by using their eyes, often focus on the eyes, body language, gestures and facial expression of their instructors to. It is also common for visual learners to remain clearly focused on the material being presented as well as the instructor. This indicates to experts that visual learners tend to "think in pictures." Absorbing information on the part of the visual learner usually involves detailed note-taking and closely examining and remembering charts, maps, photographs, handouts and other visual aids. Visual learners are also succinct and thorough readers. On the other hand, Auditory learners learn through listening. With the same diligence as visual learners, these individuals prefer to thoroughly discuss materials and often pay close attention to the pitch, tone, words and speed of which teachers deliver their messages. Visual learners often will not find meaning in notes, written works or visual aids until they hear them explained or associated with sounds. Similarly, another learning style is kinesthetic which involves the need for a student to ouch and feel elements of their surroundings in order to retain information. People who depend on kinesthetic learning often become easily agitated or distracted and cannot focus due to their needs for further instruction and to physically get their hands on items relating to the material in front of them. Kinesthetic learning is also known as tactile learning.
As noted, the three general styles of learning are often indicators of multidimensional thinking patterns, which often allow behavioral experts and doctors to produce measurable data that is commonly used to determine talents and levels of intelligence. This has become known as "multiple intelligence," coined by Howard Gardner. Research shows that measuring intelligence in this way involves using the characteristics of the three learning styles in order to come to understand in which specific areas learners may be extraordinarily talented and skilled. Research also indicated that the three learning styles are often associated with specific brain function. More specifically, the right and left sides of the brain are often responsible for specific learning abilities. For instance, learners depend on the right hemisphere of their brain to utilize their abilities to properly judge relational space, such as the visual learner. The left brain, studies show, allows individuals to make analytical decisions.
Different kinds of learning styles allows you to focus on maximizing your learning potential. Recognizing your strengths also helps you to seek learning opportunities that cater to your combination of learning style strengths. It is clear, based on the research here, that three learning styles are seemingly simple on their faces. However, it is equally evident that they contain several layers. It is, based on these findings, therefore, beneficial for trainers, teachers and learners to become familiar with each style.
References
Grasha, Anthony (1996). Teaching with Style. Pittsburg, PA: Alliance Publishers.
Honey, P. & Mumford, A. (2006). The learning Styles Questionnaire. Maidenhead, UK: Peter Honey Publications.
Pashler, H., McDaniel, M., Rohrer, D. & Bjork, R. (2008). Learning Styles: Concepts and Evidence. Psychological Science in the Public Interest 9.3 pp 106-119.
