Learning Styles

Module 10

The tutor will understand that the term "learning styles" can be defined in several ways.

The tutor will use a simple inventory to determine his/her learning style.

The tutor will appreciate learning differences.

The tutor will acquire more strategies for working with various learning styles.

Background:

            Learning styles can be evaluated in several ways.  One of the oldest methods is to consider a person's modalities as visual, auditory, or tactile.  To say that someone's learning style is basically visual means he/she intakes information meaningfully through the sense of sight.  This includes reading, watching demonstrations, interpreting charts, maps, etc.  An auditory learner basically intakes information aurally in a meaningful manner through explanations, discussions, audio cassettes, and so forth.  A tactile learner intakes information in a meaningful manner through the sense of touch or body movements. (Tactile modality is sometimes referred to as a haptic or kinesthetic modality.)     Strategies a tactile learner use include making models, writing flash cards, and using dramatizations.  Most people learn through a combination of modalities, but generally one modality is dominant.  (This could be thought of as being similar to "handedness."  Most people use both hands efficiently, but have a preference for one or the other.)    It is wise to develop all modalities as much as possible, but learning occurs efficiently when you know your strengths and "play to them."

            Over time, different approaches have been taken with regard to learning styles.  Howard Gardner has done a great deal of research into the area of multiple intelligences.  He has identified the following areas of "intelligence" - linguistic, mathematical, spatial, kinesthetic, musical, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and naturalist.  His research into this line of analysis has been enlightening for educators to look differently at intelligence and how "smartness" is defined.  Another way to look at learning preferences is more biological and investigates right brain/left brain activities.  Given this background, "triune" brain research, involving a third part of the brain, developed.  Over time, many published inventories, such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, have been used for gaining personal insights.  Most scientists agree that learning is far too complex to be boiled down into simple surveys; however, the surveys can receive some credit for developing metacognitive skills (how we think about our thinking.) 

            The importance of including a module on learning styles is twofold.  If you, as the tutor, are aware of your learning styles, you can develop your learning skills efficiently.  Additionally, understanding and appreciating learning differences is crucial in tutoring.  No one style/strategy is "right" and another "wrong."  Everyone does not have to go through the same steps to get to the desired result. Just because something works for you does not mean it will work for someone else.  Or, if it works in one subject area (ex. history), it may not work in another area (ex. math).  The key component is that everyone should have many "tools" in their "toolbox" so the most useful tool can be implemented at the right time.  You, as the tutor, need to be the master carpenter and be able to use them all.

            The following materials will help you to analyze your learning style and identify what tools you and others can use.  As your Quiz for this module, print out Appendices 1-3 (Appendix numbers appear below the image).  Take the learning style inventory and read the descriptions for the various modalities. Remember this is a very simple inventory and is not definitive; it is only a beginning point as you begin to explore the concept of learning styles.   On Appendices 4-6 you will see various strategies listed for visual, auditory, and tactile modalities.  Identify strategies you find useful in your studying.  Look at new ones you may not have considered.  Next, look at the modalities that are not as strong for you.  Think about strategies you can use with various clients.  Appendix 7 is a graphic (for the visual learners!) that illustrates how the various spheres overlap.   Print Appendix 7, put an X where you would fall on the Venn Diagram, put your name on it and turn this page in to your coordinator.  It will serve as the record of response to Module 10.  (Appendix 8 is an additional exercise if you want to self-test your knowledge about learning style strategies. It is optional.)