Learning Styles

Presented by: Courtney Mack, MLSInstructional Services LibrarianMethodist University

Learning Styles

Definition - Preferred ways in which people learn based on ability to comprehend and retain information.

Colleges and Universities must adapt to the various learning styles of its diverse student populations.

VISUAL • AUDITORY • READ/WRITE • KINESTHETIC

VAK/VARK LEARNING MODEL(Fleming & Mills)

Learn through Seeing

• Thinks in pictures and learn best from visual displays•Take detailed notes to absorb the information•Needs to see the professor’s body language and facial expression to fully understand the content of a lesson.

Visual Learners

Visual Learners(Recommendations)

FacultyIncorporate charts, diagrams,

pictures, and graphs into assignments & tests.

Place graphics/videos to demonstrate a concept or skill.

Be specific in written instructions, highlight (BOLD) important concepts.

LibrarianLibrary tour / virtual

Create online tutorials

Demonstrate Internet and database searching

Use images and snapshots of library materials on handouts

Learn through Listening

• Verbal lectures, discussions, talking things through and listening to what others have to say.• Interpret the underlying meanings of speech through listening to tone of voice, pitch & speed and other nuances.•Benefit from reading text aloud and/or using a tape recorder

Auditory Learners

Auditory Learners (Recommendations)

Faculty

Podcasting / Audio-Visual Materials

Assignments that utilizes audio resources like NPR

Classroom discussion and debates

Reading text out loud

Librarian

Library Audio Tour (CD or MP3 file)

Library Jargon/ TerminologyReduce or clearly

explain

Familiarize students with audio books and other materials available

Encourage discussion in library instruction

Learn through Moving, Doing, and Touching

•Hands-on approach•Most explore the physical world

around them

Kinesthetic Learners

Kinesthetic Learners (Recommendations)

FacultyIncorporate field research,

projects, trial-and-error, and role-playing into lesson plans.

Include links to related external web sites, surveys, and interactive Flash slide show in your discussion area.

Weave questions and instructions throughout the lecture to ensure note taking.

LibrarianIncorporate hands-on

activities within library instruction.

Have students search OPAC, find the library item and check it out.

Request a journal article using Inter Library-Loan

Library scavenger hunt

Incorporate & Respect ALL Learning Styles

EXAMPLE

A history professor can use graphic organizers and charts before presenting a lecture on the dates, and then involve students in a simulation or the use of artifacts.

Promote active learning

Clickers in the classroom

Index of Learning (NCSU – Felder & Soloman)

On-line instrument used to assess learning preferences.Dimensions

Active and Reflective LearnersSensing and Intuitive Learners

Visual and Verbal LearnersSequential and Global Learners

Results of NCSU Index of Learning

•If your score on a scale is 1-3, you are fairly well balanced on the two dimensions of that scale. •If your score on a scale is 5-7, you have a moderate preference for one dimension of the scale and will learn more easily in a teaching environment which favors that dimension. •If your score on a scale is 9-11, you have a very strong preference for one dimension of the scale. You may have real difficulty learning in an environment which does not support that preference.

2010 ON-COURSE NATIONAL CONFERENCE

• 3-day conference held on April 8-10, 2010 in Raleigh, NC• Sponsored by Guildford Technical Community College &

University of North Carolina at Greensboro•Keynote Speaker – Ann Hermann (CEO of Hermann International)

• Present on brain-based thinking and learning styles• Educators will learn to design and deliver curriculum that

appeals to the widest range of learners.\• Registration Deadline – March 24, 2010

Sources VARK Model – A Guide to Learning Styles

Website: http://www.vark-learn.com/english/index.asp

Academy of Art University – Faculty Resources/Teaching Tips. Website: http://faculty.academyart.edu/resources/view_tips.asp?UCID=986

Cornell University – Center for Learning and Teaching, The VAK/VARK Model. Website: http://faculty.ccconline.org/index.php?title=The_VAK/VARK_Model

North Carolina State University Index of Learning Style. Website : http://www4.ncsu.edu/unity/lockers/users/f/felder/public/ILSpage.html

Sarasin, Lynne Celli. ‘Learning Style Perspectives: Impact in the Classroom’. Atwood Publishing, 1998.