Learning Styles Created by: Emily Knapp

Linguistic / Verbal Likes to read, write and tell stories.Good at remembering names, places, dates or

trivia.Enjoys crosswordsHas a well – developed vocabularyHighly developed auditory skills

A linguistic learner needs to talk it out, read aloud or summarize what the teacher has said in their notes.

Logical / Mathematical Enjoys experiments, work with numbers, ask

questions and explore patterns and relationships.

Plays to win strategy gamesLikes logic puzzles and math problemsHas computer skills and understands

computer problems quickly. Classifies and orders data; analyzes,

interprets and predicts from the data.

Logical / MathematicalStudents strong in this learning style will

want organized, step by step instruction.

This student will need to study at home and put their notes into an outline. Flow charts, time lines and line graphs will be useful in the notes as well.

InterpersonalHas empathy toward others

Understands people around them and responds to others’ moods and personalities.

Good at leading others, organizing, communicating and mediating conflicts. Learns best through group projects.

In the classroom this student learns best by sharing, comparing, relating, cooperating and interviewing.

IntrapersonalHas self confidence and can be different in

dress, behavior and often general attitude. Good at understanding self, focusing inwards on

feelings and dreams, following instincts, pursuing goals and being original.

Student needs to take time after class and pick out important information for notes. Notes need to be in their own words. Studying needs to be done alone without any noise.

This student thrives when working alone and pursuing own interests.

MusicalPrefers to have music on when studying or working.Sensitive to a variety of sounds.Knows when musical note is off – key. Keeps time rhythmically and can remember melodies. Enjoys singing, playing instruments.

This student should try to make rhymes to remember facts or make up a song about the story they read. Music should be played in the background while studying. The music should be replayed before a test to jog the memory.

Visual / SpatialLearns best by seeing or reading about

information. Likes to draw, build, design, daydream, look

at pictures, watch movies and create things.Has a big imagination and thinks in images

and pictures. Easily reads a map, chart or diagram. This student will enjoy puzzles, and putting

information in a chart. They need to use a highlighter in their notes and close their eyes to recall information to see it in their mind.

NaturalisticLikes to be outside with animals, and nature. Enjoys geography and interacting with

surroundings.Good at categorizing, organizing a living area,

planning a trip, preservation and conservation. Learns best by being outside and studying

natural phenomenon. This learner might like to sit outside on a nice day

for class. Naturalistic is a recent addition to learning styles

and not widely uses.

Bodily / KinestheticEngages in physical activity; moves, fidgets,

tapsCan become an accomplished athlete. Likes to touch people when talking to them.Enjoys hands – on; is skilled with woodworking,

sewing, etc. Learns best by acting things out, moving,

touching, interacting with the subject. This student should make models, projects,

move when studying, role play, hands – on activities and participate in field trips.

Resourceshttp://www.ldrc.ca/projects/miinventory/index

.php?eightstyles=1

Gardner, Howard Frames of Mind The Theory of Multiple Intelligences. New York: Basic Books ( Harper Collins Publisher) 1983

Right Brain or Left Brain

Left BrainYou think in wordsThe left side of the brain is in charge of

processing information in an analytical and sequential manner. The left side of the brain takes in details, logic, analytical thinking, reading and writing.

Left Brain dominant people respect rules and deadlines.

Rational thinking and organization come easily

A left brain thinker can be seen as very serious

Left Brain HardshipsA person with left brain dominance might

have a hard time seeing only one solution to a problem or question.

This person might lack imagination and find it hard to work on creative projects.

This learner might find it hard to prioritize. The left brain creates a need for perfection which sometimes causes a student to include information that is not necessary for an essay or project.

Right BrainThinks in picturesThe right brain alerts us to when someone is

using sarcasm, telling a joke or lying. The right brain controls feelings, intuition,

art, music, creativity and playful personality. This helps us respond to people and

maintain/ form relationships. The right side of the brain processes

information in a holistic and intuitive manner. Allows us to multitask.

Right Brain Hardships A right brain thinker could have a hard time

with working in a place with rules and strict structure.

Time management is an issue due to disliking routines and schedules.

Boredom and frustration often occur when the right brain thinker is made to do a project they are not interested in.

Resources

The Alert Scale of Cognitive Style by Dr. Loren D. Crane, Western Michigan University, 1989.