Every human being in this world is unique and each individual has different ways in which they learn. Learning styles have been formulated over the years to help us recognize the way we approach learning and methods we use to gain knowledge. It is an individual's distinctive approach to learning based on strengths, weaknesses, and preference with a mixture of various styles. In this essay, we will take a look at different learning styles and how they can be implemented and integrated in the accounting profession. To determine the best way I learn, I carried out two different learning styles questionnaires online. One may find that they are not always categorised in a specific type rather they may have more …show more content…
The results were similar to the VARK results. Similar concepts apply to this model as the scores from the test are matched against a scale with two polar opposites, in this case, visual and verbal. As I stated before, visual learners learn better with physical demonstrations rather than explanations with words. Finally, my last result was reflective learning. This is a very fair assessment of the way I learn as I am more into the critical analysis of a subject or concept. I prefer studying or revising alone than in groups and thinking things thoroughly first on my own. Study styles of accounting students in universities are mainly based on two methods.
• Tutor centred: Lectures and seminars qualify for tutor centred learning. That is why university students need to become skilled at how to listen, memorize and take notes that are taught by the lecturer.
• Student centred: Student centred learning involves student actively taking part, learning with examples of real life situations. They are encouraged to work in groups in case studies, debates, presentations and in new environments in which they must get accustomed. E-learning and independent studying are all means to get the students learning on their own, thinking critically and evaluating concepts. “Experiential Learning is based on the idea that particular experiences form the basis of learning opportunities”(Allan B,2009). David Kolb developed the Experiential Learning Model in the early 1970’s.
According to the site educationplanner.org there is three major categories for learning styles, which is auditory, visual and tactile. I had to undergo a 20 question test to see which one of the three is my primary learning style.
[3] Infed - (2010) David A. Kolb on experiential learning [Online] Available from: http://infed.org/mobi/david-a-kolb-on-experiential-learning/ [12/01/15]
The lack of student centered learning is an issue because of the fact that it is not widely known. Student centered learning is a teaching approach that incorporates participating in self-paced learning programs and/or group scenarios, substituting lectures with active learning, leading up to holding the student responsible for his or her own improvements in education. The focus on this kind of learning could greatly improve our education system in America because it makes the students responsible for their success. The teaching of that type of responsibility will make for a more reliable and advanced generation.
My preferred learning style is the “How”. In order for me to learn or memorize new skills, concepts, or techniques, I have to do them myself.
Based on my personal inventory evaluation check list I have a combination of learning styles. I am a visual and kinesthetic learner. I definitely learn best when I am taught new information with some type of picture or visual. Also, having the hands on experience I feel helps me to retain information better. I tend to watch a lot of educational videos online because I feel it helps me to process the information and prepare for exams better. During exams I try visualize the
Student-centered classrooms have a lot in common with democratic and inclusive classrooms. In both, students take responsibility of their own learning. They work well with their classmates and are invested in gaining new knowledge. The role of the teacher is also similar. Teachers guide students by providing examples and modeling new concepts. They positively play off of individual differences and place emphasis on what strengths each student adds to the class. The content they cover is relevant to the real-word and challenges the students.
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,
The established higher education model that I tend to gravitate toward and support in my higher education philosophy is the student centered learning theory also sometimes called learner-centered teaching or a student-centered model. The theory of student-centered learning can be contributed to Hayward as early as 1905 and in 1956 to John Dewey (O’Neill and McMahon, n.d.). The student centered model is driven by a need for a change in the traditional educational environment and when incorporated and implemented correctly we will see
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
Kolb, Da. (1984). Experiential learning: Experience as a source of learning and development, New Jersey: Prentice Hall.
Using VARK questionnaire I found that my learning style was read /. Write. The runner up style was Visual
Learning styles is a way of identifying the learner’s preference in how they work such as visual, auditory and kinaesthetic. There are many ways in which learning styles has been presented and developed into showing how each individual processes information to learn.
In conclusion, it is wise to discover your preferred learning style to enhance education and make you a better teacher/student. Passing along this information to others may encourage them to learn as they discover the style which best suits them. Important also is to realize patients need to be assessed for their best learning style.
The biggest difference between student-centered education and traditional education is that with student-centered education a variety of teaching methods are used (Blumberg, 2008). People all learn in different ways and at different levels and using just one standard teaching method does not always work for everyone. Learner-centered education is beneficial to both the teacher and the student in that it provides the perfect environment for hands on learning. It allows for the instructor to tie the material to real work examples and situations while allowing the learner to relate the learning to their own experiences.
There are several ways that student-centered learning can be described, and they all lead back to the same basic idea, the student. First, student-centered learning can be defined as a discipline that involves the interaction of a team of students that experience creative learning to be used in the real world (Thornburg, 1995). Thornburg (1995) also mention that students are essential to the classroom, just like a team member is essential to a game. He says that teachers are part of the definition of student-centered learning, but they are not the main attraction. The students are the focus, and the teacher is the one who can assist among small groups of students. Eaton