Essay on Is the Utilization of Learning Styles Necessary?

“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.

A common occurrence in many studies conducted on teaching according to learning styles is the positive results that take place. Strecker’s study indicated that students who

In the field of cognitive psychology, it is generally accepted that people approach problem solving and decision making in significantly different way. (Robertson, 1985, p. 19) Conversely, it is often contested that these differences are definite to the degree that they can be modeled. (Logan & Thomas, 2002, p. 29) Furthermore, among those who believe these differences in cognition can be modeled, there are further divergences as to how these differences ought to be modelled. Moreover, there are those who seek to understand the impact of these learning styles on individual’s academic performance. (PD , Week 3) In 2004, Coffield et al presented a list of some of the predominant learning style models. The aforementioned list featured an impressive number of learning style theories, displaying the vastness and disparity of the research being done in the field. While there is still no consensus on the appropriate model for learning styles, it is generally accepted that appealing to an individual 's learning style, in almost all models, aids in the individual 's consumption and retention of educational material. (Fleming, 1995, pg. 1)

Between the practice of education and the conducting of research in educational psychology, there is a divide that has formed around the effectiveness of utilizing learning styles while teaching and learning. Learning styles are defined as an individual’s mode of gaining knowledge, especially a preferred or best method (Learning Styles). Common examples of learning styles include visual learners, auditory learners, kinesthetic learners, verbal learners, and social learners. While most individuals will predominately relate to one learning style most heavily, it is considered common practice to identify a mix of learning styles that work together to support the learner. Over the past several decades, educators and our schools have been investing time, energy, and money to implement strategies which are aimed at helping to identify student’s learning styles. The underlying premise is that by understanding individual differences in ourselves and in our students, we may be able to create more effective, diverse, and enjoyable learning environments. Many researchers have also acknowledged the pervasiveness of this line of thinking and agree that it is an attractive idea that at first glance appears to be common sense (Marshik, Jarrett, Pashler, Reid, Riener & Willingham) in the learning process.

Learning styles from a learners view are useful as they understand, how best they receive the information. It enables them to learn effectively in whatever learning situation one encounters (smith 1982b).

In order to ensure all children understand, adapting your teaching style to suit their learning is the key to an effective lesson. Learning styles have an impact upon the rate of learning. One of the most clearly interpreted theories of learning styles are that of Kolb (1995) suggested that, “Different learning styles as a cycle through which all learners should move over time.”

In regards to the Parker’s learning style profile and “Explanation,” I have become aware of the different ways a person can lean and remember information. It explains the concepts of learning and outcomes, we were asked to complete a task of inputting our own range of learning styles into his calculated model of learning styles, entitled, “I learn and remember best by…” This is a great way for teachers to effectively communicate to understand the diversity of the student body. Instead of taking an approach based on the curriculum with a one- size-fits-all approach, the text shows us why it is a necessity that we improve our teaching strategies with a much more sophisticated sense of how to drive and provide fulfillment to all students

Understanding learning styles is recognizing the best way for all students to learn. This is different for all students. Learning styles goes beyond multiple intelligences and building upon strengths. Learning styles is simply put in the question of how do you learn best? Learning styles include structure of lesson, sociological, auditory, visual, and tactile. Also, it encompasses environmental factors such as formal vs. informal settings, noise vs. quiet, temperature, brightness, kinesthetic, and mobility. It is vital for teachers to recognize the learning styles represented in the classroom in order to accommodate for the best opportunity for learning. Furthermore, students should be able to recognize their own learning styles in order to address their own needs when applicable.

Numerous studies have been conducted since the 1960’s concerning the types and relevance of learning styles. Since the use of learning styles has become common knowledge, there has

Since the beginning of modern education, education and technology have been intertwined. Given that, it has only been recent that scientists have actually figured out one learns. The ideal of learning styles has be popularized in recent years in pop science, and psychology, assuming that each person has unique learning method; but, given this information how can technology improve this ideal? To examine the affects of technology on learning styles one must understand what are the learning methods(styles), can teachers educated on learning styles improves their classrooms, how can teachers and students use technology to improve their learning experience, and in all what are the benefits of learning styles?

Most students adopt learning style that work best for them or some synthesize learning techniques of each style while sustaining an exceptional preference in one.

The recognition and accommodation of the diverse learning styles exhibited by team members can lead to improved interaction and greater synergy online or face-to-face. The most commonly recognized learning styles are derived from the main sense used for sensory input. Commonly, the three most pertinent and all-encompassing learning styles are visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. If the learning styles can be properly identified and accommodated in both the face-to-face and online environments, the result will be greatly empowered people and more effective teams.

Many studies stress the effect of teaching style on learners' achievements (Conti, 1985; Miglietti & Strange, 1998). Teaching style refers to "a predilection toward teaching behavior and the congruence between educators’ teaching behavior and teaching beliefs" (Heimlich & Norland, 1994, p.34). In fact, teaching styles are reflections of a combination of teachers' theoretical assumptions and actual teaching practice. Jarvis (2004) provides a more vivid account of teaching style and believes that a style “is the totality of one’s philosophy, beliefs, values, and behaviors, and it incorporates the full implementation of this philosophy; it consists of substantiation and support of beliefs about values and attitudes toward elements of the student learning and teacher learning exchange” (p. 40). According to the results of the mentioned studies about teaching styles, it is obvious that by being aware of these styles, teachers can improve their effective teaching and their students’ learning by using the appropriate style in specific

Some individuals learn best with hands on experience, while other individuals learn best by working alone. Teaching style in classrooms has not changed for hundreds of years. A teacher stands in front of at least 30 students who have different dreams,different strengths, different needs, yet the same subject is taught the same way to all of them. Students are placed in special groups and are pushed to compete for an A, a letter that determines whether a student will proceed in his or hers education. Creating or manipulating class teaching styles to match most students learning style can overall help them learn more. Because most students are very different, thus, their learning style would be different as well. So, changing classes and making them more personalized is a much better way to teach students.

Currently there are intense ongoing debates about the importance of using learning style models and theories in post-secondary educational circles and the utilization of these models.