Learning Styles

1. Learning Styles

2. Why should you know your Learning style? Excerpt from: http://www.aultmancollege.edu/files/understanding-learning-styles.pdf Understanding your particular learning style and how to best meet the needs of that learning style is essential to performing better in the classroom. Once you have unlocked your learning style and discovered the best methods for helping you to learn through that style, you my be surprised to discover just how well you can flourish in the classroom, even in subjects that you previously found difficult.

3. Learning Styles • There are three main learning styles • Visual • Auditory • Kinesthetic

4. Learning style assessment

5. Take out a piece of paper Write your name at the top Write the following on your paper: Visual Auditory Kinesthetic 1 1 1 2 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 5 5 5 6 6 6 7 7 7 8 8 8 9 9 9 10 1010 Total Total Total

6. Visual (1 of 2) Learning Style Assessment Put a check mark next to the corresponding number if the statement describes you: 1. I remember things better if I write them down 2. I can visualize pictures in my head 3. I take notes on what I read and hear 4. It helps me understand when I can look at the person who is speaking 5. It’s hard for me to understand what a person is saying when there is background noise

7. Visual (2 of 2) Learning Style Assessment 6. It’s easier for me to work in a quiet place 7. It’s easy for me to understand maps, charts and graphs 8. When I am concentrating on reading or writing, music bothers me 9. When taking a test, I can “see” the textbook page and the answer 10. When I get an idea, I must write it down right away

8. Auditory (1 of 2) Learning Style Assessment Put a check mark next to the corresponding number if the statement describes you: 1. When reading, I listen to the words in my head or I read them aloud 2. I need to discuss things to understand them better 3. I like having someone tell me how to do something rather than reading directions 4. I prefer hearing a teacher to reading a textbook 5. I remember what people say better than what they look like

9. Auditory (2 of 2) Learning Style Assessment 6. I can easily follow a speaker, even if I’m not looking at him or her 7. I remember things better if I study aloud with someone 8. It’s hard for me to picture things in my head 9. I talk myself through homework assignments 10. Music helps me learn things better

10. Kinesthetic (1 of 2) Learning Style Assessment Put a check mark next to the corresponding number if the statement describes you: 1. When learning something new, I don’t like to read directions or listen to them. I just start right in. 2. I can study better when music is playing 3. I need frequent breaks when studying 4. I don’t like sitting at a desk, I like to move around 5. I remember best by writing things down

11. kinesthetic (2 of 2) Learning Style Assessment 6. When I start a book, I like to look at the ending 7. My notebook and desk may look messy, but I know where things are 8. I like it when teachers let me practice something with an activity 9. I remember best if I can make something that tells about what I am learning 10. I’d rather do a project than write a report

12. Which one are you?

13. Count up the number of checks you have for each category: Auditory, Visual and Kinesthetic and write the total at the bottom of your columns • The highest category is your primary learning style…how you like to learn! • Raise your hand if you are: • A Visual Learner • An Auditory Learner • A Kinesthetic Learner • Next we will explore typical traits of each learning style

14. Visual Learners “Seeing” Learner You remember best when you use your eyes. Example: you can remember pictures, words and numbers better when you see them first You can picture things in your minds that are described to you You understand material better when you read it yourself rather than when you listen to it

15. Visual Learners (continued) You can memorize how vocabulary words look When you have to listen to material, you like to take notes to help recall the information later You also write down assignments to help remember what to study Most visual learners would prefer to use directions to put something together rather than just figure it out Many visual learners are very organized, neat and attentive to details

16. Auditory Learners “Hearing” Learner You remember information best by using your ears Hearing learners tend to be good talkers and listeners You enjoy discussions Easily remember what teachers say after only hearing it once

17. Auditory Learners (continued) You would prefer to listen to an audio book than sit and read it You can often remember names and songs after only hearing them once or twice When studying, auditory learners like to repeat information aloud to themselves You can be easily distracted by any background noise

18. Kinesthetic Learners You concentrate best when you are active You might find it difficult to sit still for long periods of time You are most successful when you can practice or do what you are learning Many Kinesthetic Learners like to work with their hands

19. Kinesthetic Learners (continued) Kinesthetic learners like sports and learn new athletic skills easily You like to do projects for classes rather than reading, writing or listening Organization is difficult for some kinesthetic learners

20. Group Activity • Separate into three groups based on your preferred learning style • Auditory • Visual • Kinesthetic • Discuss amongst your group the following: • What study techniques do you use that fit with your preferred learning style • Have someone write down the list and report back to the class the most popular study techniques for your learning style

21. Study methods for each type of learner Take note of a few study methods for your preferred learning style as you will use this for the writing assignment at the end of the lesson

22. Visual learners Study Methods Don’t watch TV while you study. This is distracting for visual learners. Use outlines or maps to help make sense of what you read To study for a test, do something you can see such as draw diagrams, make time lines, re-write your notes, and copy vocabulary words or math formulas Make flash cards. Color-code them, separate them into “Know” and “Don’t Know Yet” piles, or play a memory game with them If you are bored with working on paper, type on a computer or draw on a chalkboard Write down your assignments in your agenda

23. Auditory learners Study Methods Complete assignments AFTER your teacher discusses the material Read difficult passages aloud instead of silently Record your notes, vocabulary, math facts, or any other information you must learn. Play the recording at home or when you are riding in the car. Try to recite the recording when you think you’ve learned the information. Use music to help you learn. Put the words to a song you already know, or make up a chant, jingle, or rhyme Listen to podcasts, performances, and debates about the information you are learning Study with a friend who is also an auditory learner. Go over the information aloud and quiz each other. Study in a quiet place, with music and the TV sound turned off

24. kinesthetic learners Study Methods Use concrete objects like cards, dice, and models to help you understand math concepts During class, do something active that doesn’t disrupt others such as bounce your leg or follow along in the textbook with your pencil eraser Type your notes on the computer using different fonts and colors To learn a procedure, write the steps on note cards and then put them in order Teach the information to someone else by writing or drawing the concepts Have someone quiz you while you do something active such as shoot baskets for each right answer Have a friend, parent/guardian or a teacher help you develop a system to get organized When you have to sit to study, take frequent breaks

25. Writing assignment On the back of your piece of paper write the title “My Learning Style” across the top. Below the title, write a paragraph explaining how you will use three study methods related to your learning style to help you study more effectively. You will share this information with your parents and teacher at your Student Led Conferences in the spring semester. Finally, we encourage you to share your preferred learning style with all of your teachers