Introduction Learning style is an individual 's unique approach to learning based on strengths, weaknesses, and, preferences. Learning styles explains the concept that every person learns differently. Assessments of learning style typically ask individuals to evaluate what sort of information presentation they prefer, and, what kind of mental activity they find most engaging, and, attractive for them. Theories about learning styles agree that all people can be classified according to their style of learning. In this paper different theories about learning styles are reviewed briefly. At the end, Gendlin experiential theory is reviewed in detail.
Learning styles
VARK
There is a model that use to classify some of the most common ways of individuals learning styles. The name of this model is VARK. New Zealand teacher Neil D. Fleming was inventor of VARK which stands for Visual, Auditory, Reading/Writing, and, Kinesthetic learning styles.
Visual learners. They prefer images, maps, and, graphics. They tend to observe things, and, pictures in order to improve their level of knowledge. They understand written instructions better than oral. Once they know the spelling of a word, they can look for it easily in the dictionary. Visual learners can be distracted by noise. They need a quiet environment to concentrate. Mind maps, highlighting, lists, and, notes
There are seven general styles in which people learn: visual, aural, verbal, physical, logical, social, and solitary. Visual learners prefer pictures and images. They are most successful with art programs, and by relating the content to pictures. Aural learners
• At the end of the questionnaire, the individual is given points in each category of learning
“Just as students have different personalities, they also have different ways of learing (Slavin, 107).” Learning styles are another important factor to incorporate when implementing the best learning environment. Learning styles are defined as an individual's mode of gaining knowledge. The most common learning styles addressed are auditory, visual, and kinesthetic. Auditory leaners understand information through hearing. Visual learners need more visual aids in the learning process, such as diagrams, webs, or pictures. Kinesthetic learners learn better by using manipulatives or by being physically involved in the learning process. Learning styles is a piece of the “backbone” of differentiated learning. Both are used to individualize instruction to help students achieve the most success.
From the time of birth, individuals are constantly learning. Individual learning styles vary from person to person. It is essential to the education of the individual to learn the particular style of learning that best serves them. One particular analysis tool is the visual, aural, read/write, kinesthetic or V.A.R.K. tool (VARK, 2011). This tool allows the individual to identify their particular learning style which will better prepare them throughout their education.
i. Understanding the learners learning styles can make my course to be engaging. Flemming (1987) noted three different styles of learning; visual, kinaesthetic and aural. In order to know which method(s) to use to benefit my students the first lesson on my course will centre around discussions on what they already know, the resources they are familiar with, and a learning style questionnaire which will provide me with information on preferred learning styles. Effectiveness can also be enhanced if I adapt my teaching style to give maximum benefit to learners.
Learning styles and barriers to learning can be by the VARK to give a profile of learning preferences of how a person takes in and gives out information or Tidwell and Rodgers Practical learning styles Questionnaire. The VARK learning styles determines if the person learns by being a theorist, reflector, activist and/or pragmatist. The practical learning styles questionnaire looks at how people learn by their orientation, whether they are a realistic or creative, by their interaction, are they a doer or a thinker, by how they represent things, either by words or pictures, and how they process information, whether they are a surface or deep processor. There are many other
There are three main learning styles which are Visual, Auditory and Kinaesthetic. The three of these are different ways of how you prefer to learn, and how you consume information efficiently.
All learners have different learning styles. Using materials at the initial stage of the learning process can highlight preferred styles. Honey and Mumford show four learning styles – activists, theorists, reflectors and pragmatists, while VAK highlights visual, auditory and kinaesthetic preferences.
In school everyone learns differently; however, according to the article The Myth of Learning Styles, “The idea of learning styles is based on a theory… developed in the early 1980’s.” (pg 1.) A lot has certainly changed from the 1980’s as we learn new more material in every class we take. With this being said, someone the scientists referred to in the article “assumed” that learning styles challenged the way of the educational system when in reality, it is simply a myth. Students, like myself, only prefer to process information that they find useful or interesting to him or her. Thus giving us the problems of that teachers may take too long to cover one idea, and students may miss out out on information because he or she did not prefer that learning style.
These three methods are collectively known as the VAK model, which stands for visual, auditory and kinesthetic. Each is different from one another and most people learn best when taught through a combination of these methods.
From an early age I found learning hard and in my early educational years I
Dictionary.com defines a student as “a person formally engaged in learning” (Student, 2012). Students of any age know that comprehending and retaining information is essential to educational success. Just as every student had unique physical attributes, they also have unique learning styles in which they best retain new and important information. The VARK (Visual, Aural, Read/Write, and Kinesthetic) is a questionnaire that is given to help individual find their unique learning style. This allows students and non students alike to explore the way in which the not only retain information, but the best way to present information. Each type of learning style is broken down with ways in which to
There are four main types of learning styles: auditory, kinaesthetic, reading and writing, and visual. Each of these theories describes how learning occurs and has its own terminology, perceptions on learning and generalities about teaching and learning. My personal learning style uses a combination of visual, reading, writing and auditory. I prefer using pictures,
Learning is obtaining skills through knowledge, study, or by teaching. Learning styles refers to a system of collecting, processing, interpreting, arranging and thinking about information. Learning takes place in different forms like Read & Write comprehends through reading and writing by taking notes, Aural listens to information by hearing and speaking, Visual learns through visualizing of objects to understand, Kinesthetic is hands on learning experience, and Multimodal is study via several diverse modes of learning.
Personal learning styles are highly complex and unique to specific individuals. It is often difficult to pinpoint an exact learning style. Though there are different categories, we often fine tune them to our own abilities. By examining our traits and tendencies we create a clearer understanding of how we process and learn information. With careful review, I have developed a specific analysis of my learning characteristics, including an evaluation of skill levels. Based on what I have recently learned and know from experience, I have also devised a structured plan for improvement of time management and study skills.