ASSESSING YOUR LEARNING STYLE

Transcription

1 Focus: We bring our own habits, skills, and styles to work, school, community activities, and home life. These personal characteristics often have a dramatic influence on what we do and how successful we are at our tasks. Understanding your dominant learning style will help you realize how you learn best and what new ways of learning you could develop to learn information efficiently. Think About It! When presented with a situation such as learning information in the classroom, learning a new hobby, or learning how to do a task, how do you go about understanding and mastering the material? Do you like to watch a demonstration? 8HFCC MODULE 1-1

2 Do you like someone to explain orally how to do something? Do you like to manually do the task yourself or write out the steps to complete the task? Session Activities/Outcomes: In this session you will: Understand the three types of learning styles. Identify your dominant learning style. Activity 1: The Learning Styles Inventory The Learning Styles Inventory is a diagnostic tool that can be used to help you identify how you learn best. The Learning Styles Inventory Read each strategy. Check yes or no if you practice the strategy when you learn information. NO Type A Learner's Style YES 1. I can easily recall words after seeing them a few times. 2. I prefer to have directions written rather than spoken. 3. I am able to concentrate on 8HFCC MODULE 1-2

3 visual activities even if there are distractions, such as watching television without sound or while others are talking. 4. I often understand and remember concepts presented in maps, pictures and graphs. 5. I can visualize information I need to learn by looking into space or by closing my eyes. 6. I often use phrases such as, "I see what you mean; I see it differently; I can picture it." SCORE: Type B Learner s Style YES NO 1. I find information is easier to remember after hearing it a few times. 2. I prefer to have directions written rather than spoken. 3. I can concentrate on listening to information even when I am distracted, such as being able to hear conversation during noisy sporting events. 4. I may repeat information aloud to learn it; I also enjoy working with study partners in groups to learn information. 5. I always try to use appropriate vocabulary; I like to learn and use new words; I pay close 8HFCC MODULE 1-3

4 attention and use appropriate sentence structure. 6. I use phrases such as I hear what you are saying; It sounds right to me. SCORE: Type C Learner's Style NO 1. I prefer to write or type information to help me remember. YES 2. I enjoy moving around when I am learning. I prefer to move smoothly, rhythmically, and freely. The motion helps me to concentrate when I am learning information. 3. I enjoy it when working with computer programs. 4. I prefer to walk, pace, or ride an exercise bicycle when learning information. 8HFCC MODULE 1-4

5 5. I often count on my fingers or often write in the air when learning information. 6. I often use phrases such as, I feel it is right; I feel I know it. SCORE : Record the totals. Your learning style is indicated by the highest number of yes scores. Circle the type of Learner s Style which has the most yes answers. Remember: a person can have more than one style. Type A Learner s Style yes no Type B Learner s Style yes no yes no Type C Learner s Style yes no Look under your learning style. Check the strategies you already use, and circle the strategies that you will try to incorporate into your style. Type A is the Visual Learner This learner learns best by: Copying information from the board Using maps, graphs, charts, and diagrams whenever possible Studying from study cards Using videotapes and films to learn Visualizing information Using computer-assisted information when available Type B is the Auditory Learner This learner learns best by: 8HFCC MODULE 1-5

6 Listening attentively to lectures Using a tape recorder to tape the lectures or to make review tapes to practice key concepts Listening carefully while written directions are read aloud Participating in study groups Talking aloud when studying Type C is the Kinesthetic Learner This learner learns best by: Using interactive computer software Writing note cards Studying while walking or exercising Using manipulative devices or tools Activity 2 What are learning styles? All learners do not learn in the same way. A learning style can be defined as a set of procedures an individual uses to accomplish a learning task. There are three basic types of learning styles: visual, auditory, and kinesthetic To become a successful learner, it is beneficial to understand the three types of learning styles. Some people may learn information best by reading or watching demonstrations. They prefer to have information presented visually such as through diagrams, graphs, and 8HFCC MODULE 1-6

7 charts. These people are visual learners. The visual learner processes information through sight. Other people may learn information best through listening and discussing. They prefer to have information presented orally such as through lectures or tape recordings. These people are auditory learners. The auditory learner processes information through hearing. Still others may learn by being physically involved, by doing something or by handling and manipulating objects. They prefer to have information presented through movement or touch. They learn best through hands-on experience. These people are kinesthetic learners. The kinesthetic learner processes information through hearing. You may have more than one learning style. Becoming aware of your learning styles can have several advantages. Knowing your dominant learning style, the instructor can help you focus on particular ways to enhance your learning. If you are an auditory learner, the instructor may encourage you to tape record the lecture and listen to it as many times as necessary to help yourself understand the concept or skill. If you are a visual learner, the instructor may suggest you copy down all information from the board and make charts and diagrams whenever possible. If you are a kinesthetic learner, the instructor may recommend that you actually perform the procedure until it is mastered. 8HFCC MODULE 1-7

8 Write About It! 1. How would you describe your learning style? 2. What methods do you use to enhance your learning style? 3. What new methods listed in the Learning Styles Inventory are you going to employ in the future? Key Terms Auditory learner Kinesthetic learner Learning style Visual learner 8HFCC MODULE 1-8