Learning StylesLearning StylesLearning StylesLearning Styles““God has given each of us the God has given each of us the

ability to do certain things well.” ability to do certain things well.” Romans 12:6a Romans 12:6a NLTNLT

Multiple Talents = Multiple Ways to Learn

• There are many ways to learn• We all learn in each of those

ways• We each have some stronger

and some weaker learning styles• Where our styles overlap, they

intensify

Talents are Not Static

• These styles are not mutually exclusive

• We can practice a style to improve it

• We can weaken a style by ignoring it

Note: These are artificial categories to help us see ways that personalities differ

Win-Win Situation

Using Various Styles:• Helps each student learn

– Reinforces the lesson in different ways

– Develops weaker styles

• Helps us prepare the lesson • More fun!

Incorporating StylesYou do this already! As we go through the presentation, notice that these common activities incorporate various styles.Object lessons Skits

Crafts Memory VersesSongs WorksheetsLecture DiscussionsBoard Game Concentration

Puzzle Physical Games

LinguisticWritten and Spoken Word

Good At:• Writing• Verbal

Expression• Nuance of

Meaning

Enjoys:• Words• Reading• Storytelling• Writing• Testimonials• Handouts

Linguistic

Prevent Problems:

• Write it down• Have them recite• Mean what you say

(e.g. avoid sarcasm)

Learns By:• Reciting• Hearing• Reading• Written instructions

Logical - Mathematical

Good At:• Problem-solving• Math• Reasoning• Categorizing

Enjoys:• Patterns• Numbers• Relationships• Charts, Timelines

Logical - Mathematical

Learns By:• Classifying• Sorting• Categorizing• Identifying Relationships

Prevent Problems:• Acknowledge right or

wrong answers• Don’t overly

discourage young students from “pigeon-holing” some concepts. They are probably not being narrow - but are mentally sorting.

Musical

Good At:• Musical memory• Making and

manipulating sound

Enjoys:• Sounds• Rhythm• Melody• Singing

Musical

Learns By:• Associating patterns• Musical background• Relating sounds to ideas• Alliteration• Rhythm

Prevent Problems:• Channel sound-making to

the benefit of the lesson• Have them create tunes• Allow some variations to

the “norm”

Visual / Spatial

Good At: • Mapping• Charting• Sculpting• Modeling

Enjoys:• Drawing• Building• Designing• Visualizing

Visual / Spatial

Learns By:• Imagining/ Visualizing• Manipulating color and images• Memorizing layouts• Identifying an image

Prevent Problems:• Visual Aids• Use color to

differentiate(be consistent!)

• Use 3D Objects • Don’t rely totally on

words

Tactile / Kinesthetic

Good At:• Hand-eye

coordination• Movement• Physical Expression• Sports

Enjoys:• Moving• Handling• Touching

Tactile / Kinesthetic

Learns By:• Physical Movement• Handling objects• Re-enacting• Texture

Prevent Problems:

• Channel movement to your goal

• Provide texture or objects to touch

• Impromptu skits• Don’t require them

to sit still all through class

Extra-personalSocial Learning

Good At:• Empathizing• Charismatic

Leading• Communicating• Negotiating

Enjoys:• Interacting• Talking• Teams• Imagining

Another’s Feelings

Learns by:• Sharing• Cooperating• Observing Others / Imitation• Empathizing with Characters

Prevent Problems:• Establish rules

regarding interaction• Mentor leadership skills• Be a good example• “Share & Tell”• Don’t discipline the

whole class for the sake a one or two students

Extra-personalSocial Learning

InterpersonalIndividual Learning

Good At:• Self-analysis• Introspection• Application• Feelings

Enjoys:

• Working alone• Quietness• Independent

work• Meditations and

Devotions

Prevent Problems:• Channel the social

learners• Monitor Noise • Give choices between

group and individual work

• Give them time to process information

Learns By:• Individual projects• Homework• Personal space• Self-paced work

InterpersonalIndividual Learning

Incorporating Styles

You don’t have to do an activity for each style, or cover each style every week.

One activity can serve multiples styles.

Break up review questions into learning styles.