SDV 100: Chapter 3

Learning Styles: Learning About Learning

Learning Objective: After completing the textbook reading and reviewing this slideshow, students

will define the term multimodal learning and identify two means by which they could strengthen

lesser preferences of learning.

Greetings! Today we are going to introduce the concept of multimodal learning and share tips on how

you can identify ways to strengthen your lesser preferences for learning. Since you have already

completed the learning styles assessments in our textbook, you will want to refer to the results of your

VARK assessment during this presentation. I’ve included a slide with the definitions of each VARK

learning style for your quick reference.

First, let’s start with a quick exercise. Grab a piece of paper and a pen. Put the pen in the hand you

normally write with and write your name. (Pause for writing of assignment). Terrific! Now put the pen

in your other hand and write your name again. (Pause for writing of assignment). Great! It’s a little

more challenging that second time, isn’t it? The same is true for learning. Just as we have a preferred

way of writing which feels natural and comfortable to us, we also have preferred ways of learning.

Research has shown that often the most successful students are the ones who can learn in a variety of different ways, or are what is called multimodal learners, meaning that they learn in more than one modality. Multimodal learners are more flexible than those students who have a strong preference for a single modality. One caveat – the students who are multimodal often find that they have to engage multiple learning styles to feel they have really and truly learned a concept. Maybe multimodal learners look like this – this student sure looks engaged in multiple ways. If you are not part of the 56% of the population tagged as multimodal learners, how can you challenge yourself to learn in different ways – in ways that perhaps don’t come as naturally or as quickly? Visual Learners: To increase your visual learning style, adopt one of the following practices:

1. In reviewing your notes, draw pictures to illustrate key points. For example, if you were learning about the life cycle of a frog, you could draw pictures of what a frog looks like at each stage of development.

2. In reading or reviewing notes, use highlighters or colored pens to draw attention to important passages.

3. Use graphs, charts, maps and flowcharts to emphasize key concepts. For example, if you were reviewing the steps to creating a particular meal, you could draw a flowchart to describe each step taken.

Aural Learners: To increase your skills as an aural learner, utilize these recommendations:

1. Form a study group or find a study partner who you can discuss key topics or ideas with. Spend the time talking out loud.

2. Read your notes or textbook out loud.

3. Record your instructor’s lectures (with permission) and listen after class or listen to any podcasts of class information. For example, in our class you can access podcasts that summarize each chapter of our textbook.

Read/Write Learners: To expand your read/write learning style, adopt one of these practices as you

learn:

1. Take detailed lecture notes; the goal is to take notes that are nearly word-for-word what the faculty member shares. This may take some practice, so make a connection in class whose notes you trust, and ask to use those to fill in any gaps.

2. Write out your lecture notes multiple times. For example, condense your lecture notes by typing them and then write the notes on index cards. To practice being a multimodal learner, use different colors to record your notes or draw pictures to illustrate key concepts or use different colored note cards for different concepts.

Kinesthetic Learners: To expand abilities as a kinesthetic learner, utilize one of these suggestions:

1. Pay attention to real-life examples that teachers share; make sure you take detailed notes about these examples.

2. Use case studies to help grasp abstract principles. For example, if you are having trouble understanding a concept, create a scenario (like our textbook does at the start of each chapter) to illustrate the idea.

3. Go on field trips or review photos, exhibits, samples, etc. to enhance your learning.

Don’t forget that the main point is to practice using non-dominant learning styles to expand your skills

as a learner. And, please remember, if you have any questions, I am available during office hours or by

appointment, and I welcome the opportunity to speak with you more about how you can maximize your

potential as a learner!